Your Patients' Right to Home/Hospital Instruction
Ages 3 - 21
Children in the United States have a right to free and appropriate public education even when they are too sick to attend school. Medical providers can help ensure that children get the services they need.
In this section
What is home and hospital instruction?
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Who qualifies for home and hospital instruction?
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What is the process?
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What does instruction look like?
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Recommended Best Practices
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A Need for Research and Action
Although approximately 6% of US schoolchildren experience chronic absenteeism due to medical conditions, there is little research on the provision or efficacy of home and hospital instruction. The limited evidence available suggests that many medically-involved children are systematically underserved by their education systems. Through advocacy and education, medical providers can help children to receive the public educations they deserve.
This content was reviewed by an educator at Boston Children's Hospital.
Developmental care is best when it is local. Families local to Boston can seek educational services from the Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program, and Child Life can assist in arranging hospital instruction. Families in other regions can click below to find their local program.
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