Homebound instruction provides continuity of educational services between the classroom and the home for students whose medical needs, both physical and psychiatric, prohibit school attendance.
Additionally, homebound instruction may be used to supplement the classroom program for health-impaired children whose conditions may interfere with consistent attendance or children with disabilities that prevent regular school attendance.
Homebound instruction is intended to be temporary. The “temporary” requirement is based on the premise that instruction should take place in the school setting to the fullest extent possible.
Who is eligible for homebound instruction?
The Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, per Board Policy #2412 and in accordance with Indiana Code 20-26-3, will provide individual instruction to students of legal school age who are not able to attend classes because of accident, illness, or disability.
A student is eligible to receive homebound instruction if:
• The student is expected to miss 20 consecutive days of school, or
• A total of 20 days over a period of one year, or
• Any number of days of homebound care or hospital care necessary to complete the school year
Continuity of educational services for the student is the goal of homebound instruction.
How does homebound instruction work?
• The homebound instructor is a licensed teacher who acts as a bridge between home and school.
• If services are provided in the home, the parent/guardian must be present. Services may be provided at an alternate location per agreement between the parent and the homebound teacher.
• Laboratory and activity-based classes like physical education and choir are not available through homebound services.
• Five hours of instruction per week is the maximum available to a homebound student.
• The homebound teacher will keep a log of all tutoring hours and materials taught.
• When the student returns to school the homebound teacher will prepare a report summarizing the student’s academic progress and submit it to the principal or guidance counselor.
How do I arrange for homebound services for my child?
Documentation of a disabling condition must be done by a physician licensed to practice in the State of Indiana.
The physician must:
• Certify the nature of the medical disability, and
• State the probable duration of the confinement, and
• Certify the student’s ability to participate in an educational program
The parent starts the application process by filling out the Request Physician Form or request a printed copy from your school principal or your student’s guidance counselor. This form must be presented to the student’s physician who should complete and sign it, and then returned to the school or the parent.
In addition, the parent must read, sign, and return the Homebound Requirements and Parental Agreement. The information on this page makes clear how important parental support is to a child’s successful homebound experience.
Both forms must be on file at the school before a homebound instructor can be scheduled.
How long can my child receive homebound instruction?
The goal of homebound instruction is to facilitate the student’s return to the classroom setting as quickly as possible.
Application for homebound services must be completed each year. Homebound services do not continue from one school year to the next without a new application form and physician-certified statement of need.
Questions?
Contact Heather Short, Asst. Superintendent for Instruction
Office 574-258-9588 ♦ hshort@phm.k12.in.us
Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation
55900 Bittersweet Road, Mishawaka IN 46545
Receptionist 574-258-7941 ♦ Fax 574-258-9547
