Access to education for students with complex health problems and disabilities
Many students with complex health problems and disabilities would not be able to attend school without the necessary support we can offer, which enables success. A large number of students we serve have developmental delays or other challenges that do not affect their ability to attend school but may affect their ability to fully benefit from educational routines and thrive as best they can.
Services are available in school for eligible students who require medical and/or rehabilitative assistance to enable them to attend school, participate in school routines and receive instruction. The program serves students in public schools and private schools, as well as students receiving home instruction.
These supports are provided on a priority-needs basis and children with complex needs requiring assistance in order to safely attend school are the top priority. A care coordinator will assess the student’s needs and create a supportive care plan for the individual.
Eligibility, service(s) and the referral process for public, private and homeschool differ. Please refer to the information below and click on the appropriate school category.
Please note: Home and Community Care Support Services does not provide school support services in Champlain. For information about school support services in the Champlain area, please visit www.CHEO.on.ca.
Public School
What services are included?
Through the school health support services program in public schools, your care coordinator works with you and your child to develop a care plan to support in-school access to a wide range of professional health services, including:
- Nursing
- Diet and nutrition counseling
- Information and referral services
- Coordination of services
Please note: Therapy services are not offered through Home and Community Care Support Services. If you are looking for school-based therapy services in public schools, you can find the information through the provincial Children’s Treatment Centres.
Is my child eligible?
Any child or youth is eligible to receive care through the school health support services program in public schools if the student:
- Has a valid Ontario health card
- Is registered as a student at a school as defined under the Education Act
- Would experience a significant disruption in school attendance, instruction or participation without the support of this program
Referrals for public school programs
A referral from the student’s school principal or special education representative is required. Parents may contact either the school or Home and Community Care Support Services to begin the process. Eligible services will not be initiated until a referral is received from the school and an assessment and care plan have been completed by a care coordinator.
Private School
Schools that do not receive public funding such as Montessori, faith-based schools, etc.
What services are included?
Through the school health support services program in private schools, your care coordinator works with you and your child to develop a care plan to support in-school access to a wide range of professional health services, including:
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Diet and nutrition counseling
- Information and referral services
- Coordination of services
- Personal support services
Is my child eligible?
Any child or youth is eligible to receive care through the school health support services program in private schools if the student:
- Has a valid Ontario health card
- Is registered as a student at a school as defined under the Education Act
- Would experience a significant disruption in school attendance, instruction or participation without the support of this program
Referrals for private school programs
A referral from the student’s school principal or special education representative is required. Parents may contact either the school or Home and Community Care Support Services to begin the process. Eligible services will not be initiated until a referral is received from the school and an assessment and care plan have been completed by a care coordinator.
Home Schooling
What services are included?
Through the school health support services program for home schooling, your care coordinator works with you and your child to develop a care plan to support access to a wide range of professional services, including:
- Nursing
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech and language therapy
- Diet and nutrition counseling
- Information and referral services
- Coordination of services
- Personal support services
Is my child eligible?
Any child or youth is eligible to receive care through the school health support services program for home schooling if the student:
- Has a valid Ontario health card
- Is a registered as a student at a school as defined under the Education Act
- Has a valid letter of satisfactory instruction from their local school or local school board. Additional information on this resource can be found by visiting Ontario’s Education in Ontario: policy and program direction website.
Referrals for home school programs
Parents and families can refer directly to Home and Community Care Support Services. Please contact 310-2222 (no area code required) for more information on school health support services for home schooling.
