How Our Program Works
Certified teachers work with you, your child’s school teacher (or homebound teacher), and other members of your care team to create an appropriate lesson plan based on your child’s abilities and needs.
Education sessions can then take place either right at your child’s bedside or in our hospital classroom, during normal school days and hours. The length of the sessions depends on many things, including your child’s health and emotional well-being.
Who's Eligible
Children who are:
- patients age 5-18 years
- patients who have an Individualized Education Plan (also called an IEP) who’s curriculum can be replicated in the hospital setting
- patients staying overnight in the hospital, missing school for 10 consecutive days or more
- patients who have long hospital admissions or repeated hospital admissions over the course of a school year
Many children who participate have chronic illnesses, traumatic brain injuries, and/or rehabilitative needs (surgical, physical, or cognitive). Any member of your child’s care team can refer your child to the program.
For Rehabilitation Patients
Children who are inpatients of the Rehabilitation Service Unit or who participate in the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Outpatient Program are eligible for the school program from the first day of admission.
Educational sessions are held in the rehabilitation classroom at regularly scheduled times.
How You Can Help
Ultimately, our focus is on preparing your child for a smooth transition back into the classroom, which means we’re in constant contact with your child’s school teacher — gathering assignments and staying updated with classroom progress.
You can help most by:
- supporting your child’s academic goals
- having textbooks and assignments ready each week
- keeping the school informed and updated about your child’s progress
and return
Helpful Articles
For more information about keeping up with your child’s studies, check out these articles from Nemours’ KidsHealth.org, the #1 most-visited website in the world about children’s health:
