Parent's guide for homebound services

What are homebound services?

Homebound services are offered to students who are unable to attend school due to their medical condition. This program helps students keep up with their studies during their absence from school.

Who provides homebound services?

The homebound program is a service provided by the student's school district. If the student qualifies for the program then the school will assign a certified teacher to work with the student in their home.

How do I qualify for homebound services?

Students in regular or special education qualify for this service if they cannot attend school for four or more weeks throughout the school year. The student must have an illness that will not allow them to attend school for any portions of the day. In order to be placed in the program, the student must have a form completed by the doctor caring for their medical condition.

Your child may qualify for homebound if the following conditions are met:

• The student is enrolled in public school.
• The student is unable to attend school because of medical or mental health condition.
• A doctor's note states that the student has a medical condition that confines them to the home or hospital for 4 weeks throughout the school year.
  • This includes students in psychiatric programs, substance abuse centers, or other medical facilities.
• The student is able to participate in instructional activities while at home or in the hospital.

How does homebound help the student?

Homebound instruction may be used to supplement the classroom program for health impaired students whose condition(s) may require intermittent absences (i.e. students receiving hemodialysis, radiation or chemotherapy).

What is the homebound application process?

• A parent or doctor may request homebound instruction for a child by contacting their local school campus and requesting the homebound forms in person or by fax. School or parents can send the forms that need to be completed to the hospital or clinic where the child is being treated.
• The doctor will complete the medical information section on the form.
• The form will be returned to school staff that is coordinating the services for homebound.
• The school will hold a meeting to decide if student is eligible for the program.

How will my child receive services?

• If the student is placed on homebound, they will be assigned a teacher that will meet with them 4 hours a week.
• The patient will receive instruction in the four main subject areas. (reading/language arts, math, science and social studies)
• Special Education students should receive services based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

When does homebound end?

It is important that homebound services end as soon as the student is medically able to return to the school. Homebound services may end once the following information is provided:

• The doctor recommends that the student return to school and provides written notice of medical clearance.
• The student graduates.
• The student withdraws from the school system.

If homebound instruction needs to continue beyond the date on the original form, the parent will provide a request for an extension of services. Additional documentation from the doctor may be required for the extension.