While there is no law that requires record keeping, it is important to maintain records that show the trajectory of your child's education.  We we speak of records, we are referring to evidence of work and projects done, courses taken, and activities that your child has participated in. We suggest that you use those records to create a portfolio.  There are different types of portfolios: by year, thematic, based on special needs, etc.  Portfolios can serve as organized evidence of the education of your child, but they can also serve as a tool for evaluating their educational progress.

Types of records you can save:

• goals met and evaluations written by the parent 
• an agenda or calendar of daily activities that serves to show "attendance"
  
• a list of materials and resources used
  
• samples of written work
  
• a list of books read, movies watches, etc.
  
• summaries of educational activities and trips
  
• photos of projects, activites, trips that your child has done
• summary of volunteer work
  
• prizes, certificates of participation, diplomas received in external classes or activities, letters of reference, newspaper clippings, etc.
• evaluations: copies of any grades received, academic achievement exam results, professional evaluations, if applicable 
• vaccination record
  

Reasons to maintain records and create portfolios:

• to have an evidenced and ordered education trajectory for your (and your child's) own satisfaction and to help you to make informed and concrete evaluations about his academic achievement
• they may serve as evidence of education for matriculation into a traditional private school
  
• if you receive government assistance, they may serve as evidence of homeschooling, if it is asked for
• when the student wants to enter a university or get a job, these will help should a portfolio, transcript, or resume be necessary
• they can serve as evidence in special circumstances (for example, custody battle, in the case of a complaint of abuse or neglect, retaining your child's health insurance coverage if he is over 18 but still doing high school)

Web sites about creating a portfolio:

• A to Z Home's Cool Homeschool - Portfolios 
• About. com Homeschooling 

Books:  

• The Homeschooler's Guide to Portfolios and Transcripts    Author: Loretta Heuer