The purpose of medical leave instruction is to maintain continuity of the educational process for those students who, because of an extended illness, medical or mental health condition, cannot attend school for a period greater than 10 days. Medical leave instruction is not used in lieu of the student’s normal educational placement.
The district will provide instruction, as appropriate, for students confined to home or hospitalized upon the request of parents and with verification of need by a health care provider. A health care provider is defined as an M.D., D.O., Nurse Practitioner, P.A., or Psychiatrist.The health care provider must certify the student will be unable to attend school either full or part time. The health care provider shall also be asked to give an estimate of the probable length of the student’s need for medical leave instruction.
Once the medical note is received and reviewed an exemption may be issued. The severity of the medical condition will guide the best option for your student – concurrent learning or an individual instructor. Concurrent instruction is when your student observes and follows along with the lessons occurring in the classroom while at home. If an instructor is assigned to your student, they will work with your student in-person after school or virtually. Medical leave instruction, although correlated with what the student is missing in the classroom, shall focus on the student’s needs and what the student is capable of doing during the period away from school. Curriculum and supporting materials shall be provided by the student’s home school.
Effective, July 1, 2023, the students in Grades K-6 will receive 2 hours of instruction a day for a total of 10 hours a week. Students in grades 7-12 will receive 3 hours of instruction a day for a total of 15 hours per week.
The parent or caregiver will receive a letter notifying them of the exemption status, including start and end dates and how they can support their child on medical leave.
Questions can be directed to medicalexemptions or 716-816-4968.