Referral Procedures

Cooperation among home school personnel, parents, and physicians helps ensure the effectiveness of the Home and Hospital program. School nurses, counselors, pupil personnel workers, psychologists, administrators, and teachers often aid in the referral process for these students.

Home School Responsibilities
Guidance Office:

• Complete the School Referral for Physical, Emotional, or Pregnancy.  The form may be faxed to the Home and Hospital Center. (Fax number: 410-887-4137)
• Give the parents a copy of the Application for Instructional Program for Homebound or Hospitalized Students. The appropriate licensed professional must complete this form indicating that the student expects to be absent for four weeks or more. The form should be immediately mailed or faxed to the Home and Hospital Center.
• Send a copy of the IEP to the Home and Hospital Center if the student has one or if an IEP is developed later. In addition, IEP/SST team notes must accompany the school referral.  
• Provide a description of material to be covered during the course of the students projected absence. It is not necessary to provide books and materials for students assigned to teleclass in grades 6 - 12. Please note that for specialty high school courses such as AP psychology, Latin, drafting, etc. the Supervisor of the Home & Hospital Center may contact the student’s comprehensive school teacher to develop a feasible plan to support the goals & objectives being covered during the student’s Home & Hospital enrollment.
• Issue Baltimore County report cards incorporating Home and Hospital program grades and attendance reports.

Parents:

• As soon as you learn that your child will be absent from school for at least four weeks, contact your child's guidance counselor. The counselor will complete the school referral.   
• Obtain a copy of the Application for Instructional Program for Homebound or Hospitalized Students from your child's guidance counselor. Have your physician complete the form, sign it, and mail or fax it to the Home and Hospital Center. As soon as the Home and Hospital Center receives both referral forms, and any other required paperwork completed by school personnel, your child will be promptly contacted by Home and Hospital Center teachers.

Termination of Home and Hospital Services

• Notification: Parents should notify the local school and the Home and Hospital Center approximately one week prior to the student's return to school. A member of the Alternative Education Instructional Distribution Team, the teleclass teacher, or home teacher will collect all materials provided by the Home and Hospital Center.
• Medical Release: Most schools require a signed medical release from the physician before the student is readmitted to class.  Check with your student’s school to see what paperwork is required for your child to return to the school setting.  An in-take meeting may also be required prior to your child’s return.