FILE: IDDC
Cf: IDA
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Students who are unable to attend school because of physical disability may be assigned a teacher who will instruct them at home or in a hospital. In order for a student to be considered for homebound instruction, the student, as a result of illness, accident, emotional crisis or the treatment thereof, is unable to be moved from the hospital or home environment for the provision of regular educational services. Such incapacitation shall require verification on the application by a physician. The homebound instruction program is a continuation of the regular school instructional program, designed to help the child return to school without falling too far behind in assigned work. The student shall be under the same state and local regulations as any other student. A responsible adult must be present where instruction is provided.
CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY
A regular education student is eligible to be a hospital or homebound student if the following criteria are met:
There is certification by a physician that the student is expected to be at home or hospitalized for at least fifteen (15) operational days and will be able to participate in and benefit from an instructional program.
The student is under constant medical care for an illness or injury which is acute or catastrophic in nature, or chronic physical condition which has acute phases and which requires homebound instruction during the acute phases. If the student is pregnant, a medical evaluation must verify that there are complications in the pregnancy or recovery which could be detrimental to the health of the student.
The student is free of infectious or communicable disease. If the student is not free of such diseases, other appropriate instructional arrangements must be made.
The parent or guardian signs a parental agreement concerning homebound or hospital policies and parental cooperation.
CONTINUITY OF INSTRUCTION
A review of the student's educational program conducted by the student's regular education teacher(s) should be provided to the hospital/homebound teacher to permit continuity in instruction. Usually, a teacher assigned to teach a disabled student will meet with the student at least twice a week. Periodic conferences between the student's regular teacher and homebound instructor should be conducted as well.
REGULATIONS
The following regulations must be observed by the parents and students once a teacher has been assigned:
One of the student's parents, or a responsible adult, must be present in the home the entire time a homebound teacher is teaching.
Child and teacher are not to be disturbed during the instructional period.
Members of the family must remain out of the room during the class period.
In the event a teacher is unable to keep the child's appointment, he/she should notify the parents. If the child is unable to receive a lesson at the scheduled time, the parents should let the teacher know as soon as possible.
Home study is essential for the student to maintain his/her class standing. It then becomes the child's responsibility, under the supervision of the parents, to prepare the work which has been assigned. An assigned lesson which is not completed is a loss of valuable time and may jeopardize the student's course work.
A daily student schedule is the responsibility of the student and the parents.
Failure to observe these regulations can result in the withdrawal of this special service.
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ยง17:1946
Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education
East Baton Rouge Parish School Board