Homebound School Services

What are homebound school services?

Homebound school services help children with a medical condition keep up with school when they are unable to attend in person. Homebound education may be an option when your child can’t attend school for several weeks because of cancer, sickle cell disease, or other serious illness. Your child may also need homebound education if they have a weak immune system after treatment.

Homebound school services help your child stay current with regular classes and get appropriate credit and grades.

About homebound school services

• Homebound school services are provided by the local school district for students who have medical reasons for needing instruction at home.
• Your child’s care team must approve homebound services. Services usually need to be renewed after 12 weeks.
• Federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 give students classroom accommodations.
• States and school districts have varying policies about homebound services.
  
• Large school districts may have a department that provides services. A smaller district may have a teacher who provides instruction. Check with your child’s school district to see what services are available.
• A teacher may provide homebound instruction at your home, through an online school, or in a virtual session. Most programs provide 3–5 hours of weekly instruction.
• Private schools usually do not provide homebound services. Private school teachers may work with your child after school hours.

How to set up homebound school services

Your hospital may have a school liaison who can help you set up homebound services for your child. If not, you can set up services by following these steps:

1. Learn more about services at your child’s school by visiting the school district’s website and searching for “homebound.” You can also search under topics such as “student services,” “student support,” “hospital/home services,” or “health services.” 
2. Call the office of your child’s school or school district to ask what services are available.
3. Get a signed document that explains your child’s illness. The document may be either a letter from the doctor or a form provided by the school. The school may need other information as well.

Communicating with your child’s school

For homebound education to work well, it is important to have regular communication with your child’s teacher:

• Give clear, accurate details about your child’s illness, treatment, and side effects. It will help the teacher plan lessons.
• Ask the teacher to speak directly with the hospital school liaison. This way, the teacher can understand how treatment may affect your child’s ability to learn.
• Update the teacher about changes in your child’s treatment schedule and medical condition.

When your child is ready to return to school, the teacher can help with the transition.

Students with IEPs

Federal law requires that the school continue to provide an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the school system must have an IEP meeting if the child is out of school for 2 weeks or more (10 school days in a row). This meeting will decide how the school will provide services.

Questions to ask your care team

• Is my child eligible for homebound school services?
• Does the hospital have a school liaison who can assist with homebound services?
• How do I find out about homebound services in my area?
• What do I need to tell the school about my child’s illness?
• What other academic supports are available?

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