Homebound Instruction Federally Mandated for Children with Temporary Disability

If your child experiences a physical injury or illness that results in temporary disability, it is important to manage their educational needs along with the variety of health issues. For many parents, the most important focus is the health of the child and, oftentimes, the continued education and academic process is displaced. To ensure your child does not fail school, and is maintained in their current grade, homebound education may be necessary even if for a short time.
When your child sustains an injury, or an illness, that requires a temporary displacement away from school, homebound instruction may be required. Homebound instruction is different from home schooling in that your child is still instructed and graded by the school teachers at the school in which your child is enrolled. The difference between traditional classroom and homebound education lies in the delivery location of the lesson plans. Where your child would normally receive academic instruction in a classroom, they are now educated in the home.

Because federal guidelines permit children with disabilities to receive an education, even if your child has a temporary disability, the right to continued education is mandated. Under federal guidelines, any child with a disability is permitted to obtain an education in the least restrictive environment possible. For this reason, if your child is unable to attend school, due to a temporary disability, homebound instruction should be considered. Within each school district, there should be a staff of homebound instructors that can provide the delivery of education to your child at home or even in a hospital setting.

If your child is temporary disabled and unable to attend school, contact your child’s school to inquire about homebound instruction. While some school officials may opt to simply send homework packets to you, there are more advanced educational offerings that should be considered. If your child will be out of school for any extended period of time, you should insist on homebound instruction opportunities.

When planning for homebound instruction, as a parent, there are some environmental factors to consider. Because an individual from the school district will be visiting with your child at home, or in their hospital room, it is important to ensure the environment is conducive to learning. In other words, siblings, television noise and general disruptions should be avoided as this time is focused upon your child’s learning just as if they were attending class at school.

Caring for a child with an injury or illness that results in temporary disability can be challenging. While there are many health issues that must be addressed, it is important to also maintain your child’s academic status. If your child is anticipated to be out of school for an extended period of time, do not accept homework packets and attempt home schooling. Under federal guidelines, your child’s school district should offer a homebound instruction program that will cater to your child’s specific academic needs.