Boston Public Schools

BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS HOME & HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION

Facts you should know about Home & Hospital

OVERVIEW:

1. Home and Hospital Instruction is a medical tutorial service provided to each child who, "in the judgment of the child's physician, should remain at home or in a hospital on a day or overnight basis, or any combination of both, for a period of not less than fourteen school days in any school year."

Home and Hospital Instruction should not be confused with Home Schooling. Home Schooling is an alternative education provided by the parent at home with the approval of the Director of Alternative Education.

2. All tutoring is initiated by a state required document known as a "Physician's Statement for Temporary Home or Hospital Placement." (603 CMR.28.03 (3) (c) This form must be completed by a licensed physician and for psychological purposes, a psychiatrist. (Form 28R/3)

(Form 28R/3 may not be completed by nurse practitioners, midwives, licensed social workers, or psychologists)

3. Tutoring at home or hospital or other agreed upon site must be provided on a weekly basis. Hours are based on each students individual need.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:

Q1. How do I know my child is eligible for Home & Hospital Instruction?

A. Whenever your child has… 1. been/or will be out of school for more than 14 school days and a physician's statement has been completed to verify this fact. 2. Been/or will be absent for a chronic illness which results in recurrent absences in school, your physician should complete the physician's statement.

Q2.. Who will tutor my child?

A. Whenever possible, an instructor will be provided from your child's home school. For the most part, teachers from the school that your child attends serve as the instructor. Sometimes an instructor must be assigned from another school. All instructors are required to communicate with all A. Your child will be marked CP (constructively present) for the entire period teachers involved with your child's education. This procedure will ensure that s/he is being tutored. Your child will receive a passing grade on all that appropriate lessons are provided. assigned work that has been satisfactorily completed. The assigned school teachers are responsible for making corrections, grading the student’s work Q3. When will my child be tutored? and determining individual grades for each subject.

A. For the most part, since teachers from your child's school will be asked to Q11. What are my responsibilities as a parent? provide the service, teachers are only available for after-school sessions. No tutoring is done on weekends, holidays, vacations, emergencies or snow 1. Have an open line of communication with the instructor and communicate days. with your child’s school regarding work and grade. 2. If there is any disruption in service, contact Home and Hospital Office Q4. Where will the tutoring be provided? 3. If child is unable to attend or participate in a session, you should contact the tutor. A. Tutoring is provided in either the home, or a mutually agreed upon site (such as a 4. Have an appropriate learning space for tutoring free of noise & distraction. public library) where an adult is present at all times. 5. Sign the instructor’s timesheet at each session. If you have a question about hours, do not sign. Q5. How often will my child be tutored? 6. Complete survey periodically to assure progress in our services.

A. Each case is handled individually according to the child’s medical condition or special education status. It is recommended that a student not be tutored more Q12. Is tutoring provided over the summer? than 3 hours at one sitting. No tutoring is provided over the summer unless through an IEP, if your child Q6. What happens if the instructor does not come? is in the Extended School Year (ESY) and is not able to attend the summer program due to physician’s statement. A. Call the Office of Home and Hospital Instruction immediately at 635-6633 or 617-905-5011. Q. What resource do I have if I am not satisfied with any components of the tutorial services? Q7. Can a student receive tutoring during pregnancy? A. If a parent is dissatisfied with the amount of tutoring, the assigned tutor or any A. Tutoring is provided for pregnancy, usually for 6 or 8 weeks following other aspect of the service, the parent is encouraged to contact Maureen delivery. Student may be tutored prior to delivery if there is a physician’s Starck, Assistant Director of Home and Hospital Instruction at documentation of need. 617-635-6788

Q8. Is seeking day-care a reason for tutorial services? Any additional questions or comments should be directed to:

A. No, tutoring is based on a documented medical need for the student. Office of Home and Hospital Instruction Socorro Holland Q9. How long can my child be tutored? 443 Warren Street Dorchester, MA 02121 A. The physician's statement indicates the anticipated date that your child can Tel: 635-6633 return to school. Service will terminate unless the physician issues a new FAX: 635-6635 statement extending the service. (Physician's Statement-23R/3 Forms).

Q10. What happens to my child's attendance and school record (grades) while s/he is receiving Home & Hospital Instruction.