The Hospital Education Program (HEP) provides services to children from ages 2 through 5 years who are hospitalized at University of Virginia Children’s Hospital. The stimulating and enriching environment is designed to encourage growth in major developmental areas. For children who are unable to leave their hospital rooms, bedside sessions are arranged.
Some children who come to the hospital are already enrolled in a preschool or kindergarten program. With parent or guardian consent, they may be enrolled in the HEP beginning with their first day of admission. Hospital teachers then notify home school divisions of their enrollment and request curriculum information to help maintain a program that is as close as possible to that of the home schools. After discharge a summary of the child’s participation and progress is sent to the child’s home school and to the parent or guardian.
For the child who is in special education, a copy of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is requested from the home school division. With parent permission the IEP may be modified for use during hospitalization. For the child who is suspected of having a disability, the HEP, in collaboration with the home school and parent, may implement the eligibility process.
All HEP services are free to children and their families. For additional information, contact (434) 924-2658.