ICHABOD CRANE 4327
HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION
Homebound instruction is a service provided to students who are unable to participate in their usual educational setting, at home or in a hospital or other institution for the treatment of children (other than a school), due to temporary or chronic illness or injury for physical, mental or emotional reasons. Homebound instruction is provided to students anticipated to be unable to attend school in person for at least ten days during a three-month period, as documented by the student’s treating healthcare provider (who is licensed or authorized to provide diagnosis under Title 8 of the Education Law).
Parents/guardians must make a request for homebound instruction to the district’s Medical Director or designee. Such request must include written medical verification from the student’s treating healthcare provider (who is licensed or authorized by the state to provide diagnosis), and consent for the Medical Director or designee to contact the treating healthcare provider. The Medical Director will review the request, and may contact the treating healthcare provider to obtain additional information. The Medical Director must notify the parent/guardian of the district’s approval or denial within five school days after receiving the written medical verification. The parent may appeal denials to the Board of Education within ten school days of receiving the denial notification. If the request is approved, or if the request is denied and an appeal is pending before the Board, the district will provide instructional services within five school days after receiving notification of the student’s medical condition or request for homebound instruction.
When approved for homebound instruction, secondary students receive instruction for at least ten hours per week, for at least two hours per day if possible (and starting July 1, 2023, at least fifteen hours per week, for at least three hours per day if possible). Elementary students receive at least five hours per week, for at least one hour per day if possible (and starting July 1, 2023, at least ten hours per week, for at least two hours per day if possible). Students receive credit for their work while on homebound instruction.
A student may receive less than the required amount of instruction per week if requested by their parent/ guardian and if such request is supported by documentation submitted by the student’s treating health care provider. If a plan of instruction will include less than the minimum number of hours required, then the district must ensure that the plan of instruction is reviewed regularly (at least once a month) to determine if the instructional hours may be increased.
Once approved, the district makes provisions for homebound instruction for all students residing in the district attending public and nonpublic schools in grades Kindergarten to age 21. Homebound instruction may be provided by the district, or by a tutor, who must hold a New York State teaching certificate and who may be employed by a BOCES. Hospital or institutional instruction may be provided via contract with a school connected with that hospital or institution, or the district where it is located. Homebound instruction may include remote instruction as defined in state regulations 8 NYCRR §100.1(u).
The district will establish a written instruction delivery plan, with input obtained and considered from the parent/guardian and, if appropriate, the student. The plan will include at least: the number hours per week and per day of instruction, the method instruction will be delivered, the location of services, and an explanation of how the services will enable the student to maintain academic progress. The district will review the plan as needed based on the needs of the student, or if conditions have changed. The district will maintain a record of the dates, amount, and type of instructional services the student received, including the instructor’s name, subjects taught, and location where services were provided.
Homebound instruction will strive to keep students on pace to rejoin their class and maintain academic progress. The Board recognizes that students who are out of school for extended periods of time are at risk of falling behind academically and/or losing connection to the school community. The Board directs the administration to evaluate periodically whether homebound instruction is effective in keeping students on track to graduate, and if not, to take steps to improve instruction and implement approaches and/or offer services that support the transition back to school.
Students who have been suspended from school will be provided with alternative instruction, as described in the district’s Code of Conduct. Such instruction may be provided in the student’s home or other location, including remotely, as determined by the district, balancing the best interests of the student, the safety of district personnel, and the district’s resources. The district’s homebound instructors may be utilized, if available. Such instruction is not subject to the requirements of state regulations for homebound instruction (8 NYCRR §100.22) referenced in the rest of this policy. Any such instruction will be substantially equivalent to the instruction the student would have received in the regular education environment, to be determined by the district on a case-by-case basis. Two hours per day of alternative instruction may be enough for the district to meet its obligations under the Education Law §3214(3)(e).
Cross-ref: 5310, Code of Conduct
Ref: Education Law §§1709(24); 4401 et seq.
8 NYCRR §§100.1(u); 100.22; 175.21
Appeal of Camille S. 39 EDR 574 (Dec. No. 14,316) (2000)
Effective Date: April 4, 2023