Statement of Purpose
Homebound Services is a part of the Department Special Education. Homebound instruction is designed to provide continuity of educational services between the classroom and home setting for students whose medical needs indicate that school attendance is not advisable. Additionally, homebound instruction may be used to supplement the classroom program for health-impaired children whose conditions may interfere with consistent school attendance (e.g. students receiving dialysis, radiation, or chemotherapy treatments). Homebound instruction is temporary. The goal of homebound instruction is to facilitate the student’s return to the current classroom setting as soon as medically indicated. Homebound Instruction is an instructional bridge for students who must leave the classroom until they are able to return, and is not intended to be a long-term placement for student instruction. Homebound services will not be approved for absences related to family care or illness. Prior to the initiation of homebound services, parents and school based staff should explore instructional options for the student.
The school division is responsible for providing homebound instructional services to enrolled students who are approved and are temporarily confined at home or in a healthcare facility. Students who are enrolled in the school division who are confined in another county or city in VA and to qualified students confined in another state, if eligibility requirements are met.
Eligibility for homebound services does not remove a student from their current enrollment in their school, as Homebound Instruction is not a seperate school. A student will remain a student of their school and the school remains responsible for the student and student record keeping
Homebound Services Delivery Models
The Homebound Instruction Specialist makes the assignments for homebound based on the needs of each individual student. The student will remain a student of their school and the school is responsible for all grades, testing, assessments, and communication. Once approved, one of the following options or a combination of these options may be used:
Instruction is provided by a Homebound teacher licensed in Virginia, but who may not be endorsed in the subject area being taught.
Requesting Homebound Services
Parents are encouraged to work with the school counselors, teachers, administrators and staff prior to requesting homebound. If Homebound services are appropriate, a completed Medical Certification of Need must be submitted by the parent to Homebound Services. You may request a Medical Certification of Need form from your school. Parents will be responsible for ensuring all requested information is submitted properly on the Medical Certification of Need form and physician documentation.
Students who are approved for homebound services:
If a student has an IEP, the IEP team must meet once homebound is approved to consider the change in placement prior to the initiation of homebound services. A copy of the IEP should be submitted by school staff to the Homebound Services Department.
If a student has a 504, a copy of the current 504 plan must be submitted by school staff to the Homebound Services Department.
Parent and Student Responsibilities For Homebound:
Parents/guardians and students are a key part of the homebound process.
Contact Information
Homebound Services
Department of Special Education
Chesterfield County Public Schools
13900 Hull Street Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
Phone 804-639-8787
Fax: 804-739-6237
Diane Kiefer, Ed.S.
Homebound Instruction Specialist
Phone: 804-639-8759
Secretary
Phone: 804-639-8787