Home schooling, the educational alternative in which parents (or guardians) assume the primary responsibility for the education of their children, when responsibly done, is legally protected by the United States Constitution; however, home educators face a conglomeration of regulations, statutes, and laws. Home schools are regulated by individual states by using existing laws that apply to home schooling, by passing specific home schooling legislation, and by passing legislation that indirectly affects home schooling. As parents cope with the responsibility of providing most of their childrens' education, they may feel the need for some support. A key form of support is available within support group membership. Additionally, because each state has its own set of statutes and laws, the support group may also function as both a repository for, and dispenser of, home-schooling information. Available to parent teachers are structured curricula, subject area studies, and games and equipment. The cost of these materials is nearly always borne by the parents, and the expense can range from under a hundred to several hundred dollars. The suitability of educational materials is at times determined by the child's needs, by the circumstances of parents, and by state requirements. (37 references) (KM)