IHBF
EDUCATIONAL SERVICES IN THE HOME OR HOSPITAL
Schools may furnish homebound instruction to those students who are unable to attend classes due to a physical injury, medical situation, or a severe emotional problem. The instruction is designed to provide maintenance in the basic academic courses so that when a student returns to school he/she will not be at a disadvantage because of the illness or the hospitalization.
Who is Entitled to Educational Services in the Home or Hospital?
Public school students. A public school student who, due to documented medical reasons, is confined to home or a hospital for not less than fourteen (14) school days during the school year, is entitled to receive home/hospital educational services as described under 603 CMR 28.03(3)(c). In this context "public school student" means a student who is enrolled in a public school district or a charter school, or a student who is being educated with public funds in an educational collaborative or an approved private day or residential special education school.
Private school students. A student who is enrolled in a private school at private expense ("private school student") is entitled to receive publicly-funded home/hospital instruction as a special education service only if s/he has been found to be a student with a disability who requires special education.
“Upon receipt of the fully completed “Physician’s Statement for Temporary Home or Hospital Education” form verifying that any student enrolled in a public school or placed by the public school in a private setting must remain at home or in a hospital on a day or overnight basis, or any combination of both, for medical reasons and for a period of not less than fourteen school days in any school year, the Director of Pupil Personnel Services shall arrange for provision of educational services in the home or hospital.
Such educational services shall not be considered special education unless the student has been determined eligible for such services, and the services include services on the student's IEP.
Such services shall be provided with sufficient frequency to allow the student to continue his or her educational program, as long as such services do not interfere with the medical needs of the student.”
Homebound instruction is offered in basic elementary subjects and in secondary subjects which do not require laboratories and special equipment, subject in all cases to the availability of qualified tutors. Certified teachers are assigned, whenever possible, to homebound instruction by the Director of Pupil Personnel Services with the approval of the Superintendent.
LEGAL REF: 603 CMR 28.03(3)(c), 28.04(4)
First Reading: 9/23/14 Second Reading: 10/7/14 ADOPTED: 10/30/14. Reviewed: 12/15/20