Background

The District acknowledges the unique position schools play in being able to directly support students whose physical and/or mental health is challenged at different periods in their lives.

The District recognizes that there may be times when students require hospital/homebound educational services to enable them to continue their educational program and maintain their connection to their school community while hospitalized, or while absent from school for limited periods during the school year due to physical and/or mental health reasons.

Limited home or hospital instruction may be provided for students who are expected to be absent from school for a minimum 0f 10 consecutive school days due to medical (physical and/or mental health) reasons.

This support structure is intended as a short term temporary service and is not intended to serve students registered under the Home Education section of the School Act. It is also not intended to be used routinely as the option for students with severe behavioral and/or mental health issues.

Procedures

Determining Students eligibility for hospital/homebound support:

1. Students eligible for hospital/homebound services include:
   1. Students who are absent for 10 or more consecutive days from school for medical reasons such as injury, disease, surgery, pregnancy, mental health issues, etc.; and
   2. Students suspended by the board of education under the School Act may be served in a hospital/homebound program.
2. School Administration and/or school counsellors will contact Inclusive Education by completing the District Home/Hospital Referral Form to request hospital/homebound support as identified above.
3. Following consultation with the Assistant Superintendent or designate District Principal of Inclusive Education and the District Home/Hospital referral form, Inclusive Education screening team will determine if Hospital/Homebound is the appropriate service to meet the needs of the student. Particular requests may require receival of an attending physician’s note.
4. When deemed appropriate, the Hospital/Homebound teacher will be notified to liaise with the school, medical professionals, and family.
5. Inclusive Education Administration in consultation with the school team, will determine appropriate levels of support for each eligible student. Hospital/Homebound teachers will work with the school team, medical professionals, and family to coordinate and implement the plan of support.

April 2025