4328, Homebound Instruction

1. Homebound instruction (tutoring) shall be provided with parental/guardian consent to students whose physical, mental, or emotional illness or injury, as substantiated by a licensed physician and/or psychological condition necessitates absence from school for more than ten consecutive school days. A parent/guardian must submit a physician’s written statement to the principal or guidance counselor informing him/her that the student will be absent for more than ten consecutive school days and will need homebound instruction. In the case of a student with a disability the Committee on Special Education (CSE) may determine homebound instruction as an educational placement. Each physician’s letter must also include the following:
   a.) date of next scheduled appointment or
   b.) date the student is medically able to begin homebound instruction and/or the
   c.) date of the student’s anticipated return to school.
   Homebound Instruction ends when the physician clears the student to return to school.
2. The District shall reserve the right to require an examination by the school physician(s), school psychologist(s), or an independent psychologist/psychiatrist appointed by the district.
3. Upon being informed or becoming aware of a prolonged absence or an anticipated prolonged absence, principals or counselors will be responsible for initiating the process of homebound instruction. At the secondary level, when a tutor(s) has been identified, he/she will be directed by the counselor to contact the department supervisor(s) of a particular subjects for further instruction and coordination.
4. Department supervisors or principals at the elementary level will meet with tutors as necessary to coordinate instruction in the areas of curriculum, assignments, textbook usage and grading.
5. In order to receive course credit, students on homebound instruction must attend scheduled sessions per the district’s attendance policy.
6. Instruction shall be provided by an approved certified teacher or certified teacher assistant (working under the supervision of a certified teacher).
7. The District reserves the right to determine the type of homebound instruction and courses to be instructed. Ten hours of instruction per week at the junior high and high school level and five hours of instruction per week at the elementary level will be provided by the District. Deviation from this requirement may be considered (based on individual circumstances) as determined by the Director of Pupil Services.
8. The location for instruction shall be dependent upon the physical condition and location of the pupil. Every effort will be made to provide a healthy and safe environment that is conducive to learning. A parent/guardian must be present when instruction is provided at the student’s residence.
9. Students with ongoing medical needs that might result in excessive absences, but not lead to ten (10) consecutive school days, may be referred to the 504/PST committee to determine if a student is eligible for a 504 or an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for the homebound instruction services.

Cross-ref: 5100 Comprehensive Attendance Policy

Ref: Education Law §§1709(24); 4401 et seq.
8 NYCRR §175.21

Prior regulation. Homebound Instruction, 6157.1

September 28, 1987
Amended: November 24, 1997
Amended: June 17, 2002
Amended: December 16, 2013