My husband and I understand how every child needs a specific learning environment to succeed. Our oldest son was an academic achiever who never needed help on homework and has successfully earned multiple college degrees. But our youngest has had a different journey.

Diagnosed with autism and dyslexia, he struggled in public school. His kindergarten teacher was phenomenal, working closely with him, keeping him a second year and even coming to our home for tutoring.

But that classroom was just not the environment for him. He could not learn there. And that’s not a criticism of the teacher or the school. It simply wasn’t working.

After connecting with an incredible therapy practice, we eventually found a homeschool academy where he is thriving with smaller classes and individualized instruction.

It’s meant a 45-minute commute and does not come without expense, but since we were considering quitting our jobs and leaving the state–anything for our son–it’s truly been a blessing.

While our son’s school cannot yet participate in the educational freedom account program created by the LEARNS Act, my husband and I both applaud the law for what it is doing and will continue to do for parents who, like us, felt scared and even hopeless. Parents need options, because every child has unique needs.

Seeing your child truly flourishing, particularly after so many doubts and fears, is a joy every parent should know.

– Erin Holleman, Malvern