Weekly Update -AHF
Weekly Announcements
The queue is currently at these dates
Marketplace – 2/3
Direct Pay – 2/3
Reimbursements – 1/27
** Note, anything not reviewed that was submitted before these dates is likely in further review for one of many reasons. But as a WHOLE this is where the queue is at in processing.
Now, let get to the fun stuff.
Please remember you can check the Homeschool Freedom website to look at more information on many vendors. FAQ and resource pages have a lot of information.
www.ArkansasHomeschoolFreedom.com
The homepage also of the website (above) has a video at the bottom that walks you step by step through direct pay purchases how to cancel a request AND a marketplace order. And a video that gives a good look at HOW to use all of the options for searching vendors.
The vendor ads on the page are a great way to get a lot more information if you need to compare classes and look for specific types of items.
ProductType — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
The FAQ on the website is very helpful. Just today I added a new one that I will link you to here. Everyone asks over and over about what subscriptions are allowed and most they have given an answer on. Any others you want to know, let me know I will check and get them all on the list so that nobody must ask anymore and we have a reference.
FAQs — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
Miss Toni’s search is extremely helpful when looking for local vendors for extracurricular and tutoring services. This is linked on the website, but the direct link is
Outbridge has done a wonderful job providing a search that you can also utilize to find vendors. If you are not signed up for the emails from Outbridge and wish to get those as well the signup link is HERE
School Finder | Arkansas School Finder
When uploading direct pay invoices and searching for the vendors you will need to be exact. It’s easy to get frustrated and think that you will never find it if say you type Snazzy Snail not THE snazzy snail or any other vendor with the in the name or A … The search in classwallet is set up to only find exact match.
Reminder about the New Preapproval System
Follow this link to the pre-approval form: EFA Expense Preapproval Request.
Fill out the form but keep your info complete but brief. More bullet point style not a whole conversation.
Provide any links to curriculum or the item itself that are relevant.
You will receive an email that is either approval, denial or a request for more information.
If you receive preapproval, please put the normal information you always do. Preapproval does NOT mean they don’t still need your receipt and your other documentation. They do still need all of that uploaded. But add your preapproval email in there as well.
NOTE: All purchases will still be approved based on reasonable need and price criteria. Splitting between children does not automatically mean that you can spend double or triple for the item. A bookshelf that’s twice as much because it HOLDS twice as much can be justified at a higher cost when split between students and may be approved. A bookcase that is more costly because it’s a more $$$ wood type or style but that does not actually provide more storage for the increased cost would NOT be approved.
PLEASE DO NOT use a screenshot to place direct pay order unless the vendor tells you to, their website states to do so, or their ad on the website states to use this process. If the vendor is not setup for this to be their method, then your order will experience at best a delay but is very likely to be cancelled due to stock issues or possibly the total being incorrect. Many vendors purchase product based on the invoices they have issued. So if they never see the order, and did not create an invoice your items may not be available. I know in my own shop I only order the Machines after issuing an invoice because I can only store a certain number at a time in the storage space I have. It is simply not possible for me to guess which machines are needed and store in bulk.
If your invoice for a reimbursement does not show clearly the payment method, you will need to include proof of payment with your submission. They simply must have verification of the payment to be able to reimburse.
I am looking for parents to submit reviews of vendor products and services for the website to help other parents decide better what programs may be a good fit for their students.
There is now a form on the website just for submitting a blog post.
BLOGS — Arkansas Homeschool Freedom
I am always available via PM if you need an answer to something and are still confused after checking here and the websites.
I do NOT work for the ADE and do NOT know all answers. But I DO know who can help you when I cannot and can forward you to the appropriate person.
It’s always ok to ask. But if I take a minute to get back to you do not worry I will. It’s rarely long but sometimes late. I don’t always sleep so sometimes I respond to messages or emails at like 2am. So askers beware –
It really will help all parents if everyone can take a few pics or a video using systems like subscription boxes and science kits and such. It’s a lot easier to decide what would work for your own monster if you see how other little gremlins faired with the resources available. Experience in ordering and with customer service when the need did arise help everyone know what companies are solid to work with as well.
Test reviews too, once everyone is taking them reviews as it’s fresh in your mind will be so much better than well after the fact. We are not getting younger and not one of us is in the position anymore to get to it later on something we are supposed to detail and still have all the details available in our head once later arrives.
Ann Snelson
501-412-5107
ArkansasHomeschoolFreedom@gmail.com
Helpful Links from the ADE and Outbridge
Mileage Reimbursement Form (Please make a copy before editing)
Testing Information (everything you need to know about testing!)