Program Criteria
1. There is NO WAITING PERIOD TO APPLY.
2. The student must be under medical care for an illness that is acute or catastrophic.
3. The student can receive an instructional program without endangering the health of the instructor or other students with whom the instructor may come in contact.
4. Pregnancy - Pregnancy is not considered a medical condition that meets eligibility criteria for Homebound services unless a licensed physician (or ARPN) certifies that the student's medical condition confines her to the home or hospital and restricts her activities for at least 15 consecutive school days. The eligibility criteria for students who are pregnant is the same as for students who are not pregnant. Individual needs rather than blanket eligibility periods (specified amount of time pre and post-partum) guide eligibility decisions for the Homebound program. If the diagnosis is pregnant, additional medical information needs to include; 1) the specific medical complications that confines the student to the home or hospital (example: bed rest due to preterm labor), 2) the estimated delivery date, and 3) the estimated length of time the student will be confined to the home.
5. Co-enrollment -A student who attends school part of a day during a recuperative period or who is medically diagnosed as chronically ill may be considered for co-enrollment. As feasible, a student may attend school for as many hours per day or days per week as he/she is capable with Homebound providing support services.
6. Emotional/Psychological Condition - A psychiatrist's evaluation and recommendation is preferred when requesting Homebound for psychological reasons. A psychologist or counselor mat not refer students to Homebound, however they may work with the referring physician to provide information helpful to the IEP team when considering a school program. The nature and extent of emotional problem, the treatment schedule, goals for the student, behaviors that prevent the student from school attendance, and school modifications attempted and results must be included. Students must receive on-going therapy for Homebound to continue.
How to Apply
Referral forms for Homebound Instruction are available in every public school in Pinellas County. Parents, doctors, and/or school personnel may request the forms. The Homebound referral is completed by the parent/guardian, school personnel, and the physician, and then sent to Homebound. Once the referral is received and verified, the student’s eligibility for Homebound will be determined and the parent notified.
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