What it is: This program gives temporary help with schoolwork to students who cannot attend school because of a physical or emotional health condition.
Who can get help: Any student currently enrolled in Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) who is missing school due to:
A physical illness or injury
Pregnancy
An emotional or mental health condition
A chronic (long-term) health condition that makes them miss school on and off
Who cannot get help: Students who are homeschooled, students placed by their parents in private or parochial schools, and very young children in the Infants and Toddlers program.
How to start: Contact the School Counselor at your child's regular school to obtain the Home & Hospital Verification Form for Physical or Emotional Conditions.
Medical forms you will need:
For Physical Conditions (Form DSS-22): Must be filled out by a doctor or nurse practitioner if your child will miss 20 or more school days.
For Emotional Conditions (Form DSS-22A): Must be filled out by a licensed psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, or a licensed psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner if your child will miss 20 or more school days.
Extra forms for emotional conditions: You will also need a Treatment Plan from your doctor and a Transition Plan from the school team to help your child get ready to return to regular school.
When teaching begins: Help will start within 10 school days if your application is approved.
Where learning happens: Lessons take place in the child's home, in the hospital, or at a public place (like a library) if your child is getting ready to return to school.
Weekly hours:
Full-time students: Get at least 6 hours of teaching per week.
Intermittent (on-and-off) students: Get at least 3 hours of teaching per week.
Keep in mind: This program is only a temporary safety net. It does not replace a full, regular school day or the Online Academy.
Books and Grading: Your child’s regular school provides all textbooks and assignments. The home teacher helps your child complete the work, but your child's regular classroom teachers will grade it.
Teacher Qualifications: State law requires all home teachers to have a college degree. However, they may not be officially certified in the specific subject they are tutoring.
If your child receives teaching at home, you must:
Make sure a responsible adult is in the home during every lesson.
Pick up your child’s textbooks from their regular school.
Make sure your child is awake, prepared, and ready to learn on time.
Pregnancy support: Pregnant students can receive teaching services for 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth.
How long services last: Services are approved for up to 60 days at a time.
How to get an extension: If your child is still too sick to return to school after 60 days, you must turn in updated medical forms from your doctor. The home and hospital case manager will send a reminder notice 15 days before your current approval expires so you have time to get the new paperwork.
