[nicolerichardson]

Hi, I would like some input into educational options in Paulding Co. My daughter was a student at NPHS through 10th grade. She has an undiagnosed medical condition that prevents consistent attendance due to pain. She received homebound services twice last year and it worked really well for her. In fact, she made better grades during that time than when she was actually in school. But, the guidelines state that a student can only receive hospital/homebound services for a max of 6 weeks. It's not to be a permanent solution. As a result, she missed 60+ full days of school not to mention at least that amount in half days. Since my daughter can not attend the traditional school, what are her options? I can't afford to pay for online schools and there is no free public high school online that I can find. Thanks!

[Monkeytail]

Bless her heart! I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to offer my condolences that the doctor can't find a reason for her pain. That must be awful to deal with.

[sugail]

I have nothing to offer, sorry, except that my son was a student at North Paulding also until we had to move a couple of months ago. We have been dealing with the same thing since last school year and still have no answers.

[Riograce]

http://www.gavirtual...dents/FAQs.aspx

and

http://www.k12.com/gca/

The latter is expanding to serve 11th- and 12th-graders over the next couple of years. If the OP can't find a solution for her daughter for this year, perhaps she could withdraw her this year and re-enroll her in the GA Cyber Academy next year when they will offer courses for juniors.

This post has been edited by Riograce: 30 September 2011 - 02:42 PM

[Blondiega1]

Monkeytail, on 30 September 2011 - 01:56 PM, said:

Bless her heart! I don't have any advice, but I just wanted to offer my condolences that the doctor can't find a reason for her pain. That must be awful to deal with.

This.

[babyblues]

Is this the schools rules. Several years ago 2 of my kids were homebound. My daughter broke her neck in a car accident and had a halo for 15 weeks. She was homebound for 21 weeks from school (this was in Bartow cty.) Then a couple of years later my son had his colon removed and was home bound for 11 weeks. This is what the Dr. ordered and this is what they had to cover. My daughter was originally suppose to be able to go back after the 15 weeks, but the Dr. decided he didn't want her going back and put her out the remaining 6 weeks of school because she was in middle school and he was afraid someone would knock her down and it would undo all the surgery. I am so sorry to hear about you daughter and I hope you find a solution to the pain. Praying for your family.

[gog8tors]

Check K-12. I know they got the OK for 9th last year. It's worth checking out. I also have seen that some folks are using connections academy. I know that the K-12 program is free, is through the state BOE. Not sure about the other.

[Riograce]

gog8tors, on 30 September 2011 - 02:41 PM, said:

Check K-12. I know they got the OK for 9th last year. It's worth checking out. I also have seen that some folks are using connections academy. I know that the K-12 program is free, is through the state BOE. Not sure about the other.

The GA Cyber Academy only goes through 10th grade this year, but will expand over the next two years - the link is available in my post above.

Connections Academy only goes through 8th grade in GA.

This post has been edited by Riograce: 30 September 2011 - 02:47 PM

[gog8tors]

Riograce, on 30 September 2011 - 02:46 PM, said:

The GA Cyber Academy only goes through 10th grade this year, but will expand over the next two years - the link is available in my post above.

Connections Academy only goes through 8th grade in GA.

Oh, yeah now I see your post. It wasn't there when I posted. IDK that was wierd, it's there now though.

I figured GCA was a shot in the dark, and I don't know any thing about the Connections.

OP, you really need to talk to the school about IEPs and such. They have to help you out on this.JSYK yes, it can be a pain in the backside (I don't know who you will have to deal with.) I do know that you have to be the one on top of this. I have a child on an IEP now and had one on it a few years back. Some times you get really great people who will bend over backwards to get things done and sometimes you don't. Good luck.

[mysterious]

I am sending well wishes to your daughter also.

I understand you saying that you cannot afford online school. Should something change then I recommend American Online Highschool.

[shoes116]

nicolerichardson, on 30 September 2011 - 01:34 PM, said:

Hi, I would like some input into educational options in Paulding Co. My daughter was a student at NPHS through 10th grade. She has an undiagnosed medical condition that prevents consistent attendance due to pain. She received homebound services twice last year and it worked really well for her. In fact, she made better grades during that time than when she was actually in school. But, the guidelines state that a student can only receive hospital/homebound services for a max of 6 weeks. It's not to be a permanent solution. As a result, she missed 60+ full days of school not to mention at least that amount in half days. Since my daughter can not attend the traditional school, what are her options? I can't afford to pay for online schools and there is no free public high school online that I can find. Thanks!

Under FAPE law, public schools are required to educate ALL children, just as you as a parent have the responsibility (under the law) of sending your child to school. The tricky part is situations like these, when the child is too ill to be in the classroom, but still must somehow be educated.

All of that said, if it were me, I'd do these things.

1) Work with your child's doctor to come up with a diagnosis, even if it is 'pain NOS'. From what you are saying, it is very likely that she qualifies for a 504 plan, meaning that she has a medical condition that interferes with her ability to participate in a major life activity (under 504, this includes walking, seeing, hearing, thinking, communicating, etc.). Under the 504 plan, the school (and you) can work together to create accommodations and interventions to help her succeed in school.

2) Contact the county office's head Student Services person (Michelle Sayles) and ask about long-term HHB service. According to the state DOE website, long term HHB services are used for students who must be out for 9 consecutive weeks. If your daughter truly can not be in the classroom during this time, then she may qualify for that.
http://www.gadoe.org...160-4-2-.31.pdf

Finally, I would reiterate again that public schools have the responsibility of educating all children, regardless of medical conditions, mental illness, or disabilities. In fact, it is 100% in their best interest to do so, because when a child can not be educated in the public school system, the onus is on the school system to find an alternative.

I wish you the very best