Ep 72: A Different Kind of Homeschooling Excellence with Cindy LaJoy

In today’s episode, I am welcoming back Cindy LaJoy. You might remember Cindy from episode 11 of the podcast. Cindy is the founder and administrator of the Blue Collar Homeschool Facebook group. This group supports and encourages homeschoolers who’s kids are headed to work or trade school or another path after high school. Numbering almost ten-thousand members, the group offers a wealth of information seldom talked about in homeschooling circles. As a member of this group, I can attest that the conversation within this group is really engaging and I learn something every time I visit the group. During our conversation, Cindy shares her expert tips for parents, whether homeschooling or not. Some of the topics we cover include showing our teens respect, defaulting to “yes” instead of “no” and the importance of exposing teens to a many electives and learning opportunities as possible. Having homeschooled five children of her own, Cindy has an abundance of wisdom and experience to share.

About Cindy LaJoy

Cindy LaJoy is the founder and Facebook group admin of Blue Collar Homeschool, which supports and encourages homeschoolers whose kids are headed toward work or trade school after high school. Numbering almost 10,000 members, this group offers a wealth of information seldom talked about in homeschooling circles. Cindy has been a featured guest on many podcasts and is a contributor to two books, Train Up! by Zee Obi, and Homeschooling for College Credit by Jennifer Cook DeRosa. She is currently collaborating on a third book with Natalie Vecchione regarding homeschooling older teens with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Cindy has spoken in numerous forums on international adoption, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Developmental Delay, and homeschooling. A certified job coach for those with disabilities, Cindy established Buckaroos Slices and Scoops along with her three young adult children who now run the business on their own. Buckaroos is proud to intentionally hire those with cognitive and developmental delay. Cindy is also a special education teacher and academic advisor with True North Homeschool Academy, a videographer and ministerial intern with the Athol Congregational Church. She also is an Interfaith Seminary student with a focus on spiritual counseling. Cindy loves helping people learn about “A different kind of homeschooling excellence!” and helping others broaden their horizons as they think outside the traditional college box.