Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Surrey Hospital Homebound Program?
  
  This direct teaching program provides a learning situation for students in the Surrey public school system who are absent from school for medical reasons, so that they return to classes with as little educational interruption as possible. It is offered as part of the district service to elementary and secondary students with non-contagious illnesses, or any other medical reasons. Instruction is available at the student’s home, at Surrey Memorial Hospital, and at Peace Arch Hospital.
  
  
  
• How can I contact the Hospital Homebound teacher?
  
  A parent, social worker, nurse, or doctor may contact the student’s school to ask that a referral be made. Staff see How to Make a Referral
  
  
  
• What are some “medical reasons” for which a student can be referred?
  
  Medical reasons include accidents, surgery, mononucleosis, infections, diseases, cancer treatments, pregnancy, and mental health problems.
  
  
  
• How long must a student be ill before he/she can be referred?
  
  A Hospital Homebound student can be referred if the student is expected to be absent for five days or longer. Hospitalized students can be referred upon entering the hospital. Students with scheduled surgery may make arrangements for after-surgery Hospital Homebound support.
  
  
  
• Is a medical note required before a student starts H/H service?
  
  A medical note should be provided within a reasonable time of commencing H/H service. This note, signed by a medical practitioner, should indicate the medical reason for absence, and also how long the student is expected to be unable to attend school.
  
  
  
• What hours do Hospital Homebound teachers work?
  
  Hospital Homebound teachers work regular school hours. They won’t schedule appointments on weekends or school holidays. Their Professional Development days may differ from those of the school.
  
  
  
• Do Hospital Homebound teachers visit a home where a student is alone?
  
  A parent or other responsible adult is required to be present when the Hospital Homebound teacher visits. If this cannot be arranged, it may be possible to meet the student at a nearby public library or elementary school.
  
  
  
• What happens after a student has been referred?
  
  The Hospital Homebound teacher will contact the student’s teacher(s) to arrange for assignments. Contact is made with the home to arrange appointments to visit the student.
  
  
  
• How is homework picked up from school?
  
  The Hospital Homebound teacher may pick up the work directly from each classroom teacher, or collect assignments that have been left at the school office. Sometimes a parent will pick up the work from school. The Hospital Homebound teacher may coordinate this with the school secretary, teachers, counsellor, or administrator.
  
  
  
• How long does each Hospital Homebound appointment last?
  
  Each appointment lasts about an hour. There are usually two appointments per week.
  
  
  
• What does the student do?
  
  The student will work on assignments that he/she would do if attending regular classes in school, using texts, worksheets, workbooks, exercises, etc. assigned by the classroom teacher(s). If it is necessary to modify course content, this would be done in consultation with the classroom teacher.
  
  
  
• What types of resources do Hospital Homebound teachers have?
  
  H/H teachers have access to any resources SD36 students would use at their own school. H/H students will receive resources from classroom teachers and other school staff. Public libraries, and the internet, are also excellent resources.
  
  
  
• What if a student is in a hospital not located in Surrey or White Rock?
  
  Arrangements may be made for the teacher attached to the Hospital (if available) or Hospital Homebound teachers from the school district where the hospital is located, to visit the student.
  
  
  
• How do Hospital Homebound teachers report student progress?
  
  Verbally/informally to student, parents, and teachers, or written reports to teachers.
  
  
  
• When are Hospital Homebound teachers not permitted to go into a home?
  
  a) When a supervising adult can’t be present, and other arrangements can’t be made.
  b) When there is communicable disease.
  c) When there are unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
  
  
  

Contact

For more information, please contact Hospital/Homebound.

Hospital Homebound home

Last Updated: September 18, 2009

Punjabi Program Brochure
(PDF, 128 KB)

For surrey district staff:
How to Make a Referral

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