Managing Your Child’s Education & Medical Needs
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Your child’s health and well-being are the most important things in the world. But part of ensuring their well-being is making sure they’re advancing mentally through education.
There are many ways to balance your child’s education while still prioritizing their medical needs. At UVA Health Children’s, your child has access to several educational resources. But as the person who knows your child best, you may have other ideas that we would love to help you with.
Hospital Educational Program
For children staying in the hospital, our hospital education program (HEP) provides instruction and school services. Learn more about HEP here.
ASK Education Navigator:
The Ask Education Navigator helps families by bridging the gap between UVA Health Children’s and schools. The navigator can:
- Plan and attend meetings
- Write letters
- Complete homebound forms
- Do educational/career testing
- Assist with college or professional applications
- Find resources for families and students
Contact: Natalie Duncan ([email protected])
Child Find & Early Intervention Programs:
Infants and toddlers with disabilities or delays often qualify for outpatient and home-based therapies. In the comfort of your home, licensed therapists can evaluate your child and recommend therapies that may help them.
For children with mild delays, this can help them to “catch-up” before school enrollment. For children with more substantial needs, these therapies can help establish what accommodations will be most helpful for them.
As children enter into school, Child Find programs continues to provide special education support. This includes supporting children with unique education situations, such as those who are in private schools without special education programs or who are homeschooled.
Our social work team can help with a referral if appropriate.
Homebound Instruction
Homebound instruction is a perfect option for kids who are out of school for long periods of time. Your child’s current school provides teachers, learning materials, and assignments. To qualify for homebound instruction, your child needs:
- Medical documentation
- Parent or guardian who will be present for visits
The educational navigator can make the referral and help with these arrangements.
Homeschooling
For many families, homeschooling, whether short or long-term, allows for the most customization and accommodation options. Contact the National Home Education Network for information, group listings, and newsletters.
Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)/504 Plans
Many children with medical conditions or developmental differences need evaluations for special education and/or accommodations during or following treatment due to physical and/or learning difficulties.
Toolkit Resources for Children with Specific Conditions
Childhood Cancer Foundation: Education Toolkit
Hemophilia federation of America : Education Toolkit