Our team supports a connection to the schooling program and provides the child the normalcy of school and learning.

The Mission

The Patient Academic Services division exists to keep patients and siblings engaged academically through the duration of their illness and hospital admission. It supports a connection to the patient’s selected schooling program and provides the normalcy of school and learning. Certified teachers meet students at their academic level and encourage continued learning and growth. This program provides instructional support year-round and serves as a resource to academically support students at all grade levels.

The Patient Academic Services Department has three certified teachers and one teachers’ aide on staff. Each hospital teacher provides instructional support to patients and siblings ages 5 through college on each hospital unit, five days a week, year-round to keep students learning and engaged. The teachers pride themselves on helping families navigate the school choice that fits their child’s needs, and they work closely with the patient’s teachers and district to make sure instruction is as seamless as possible. The team of teachers are also a great resource for families to gather information about Individualized Education Programs and 504 Plans. The Patient Academic Services division also offers services at the Ronald McDonald House and an after school tutoring program, which is available for patients who have completed or are in the midst of treatment. (**Services in these areas may not be provided at this time, due to COVID-19 restrictions.)

• We will have three certified teachers and one teachers’ aide on staff for the school year.
• We can instructionally support all grade levels from age 5 through college.
• After school tutoring will be available for patients who have completed or are in the midst of treatment. (**Pending COVID-19 restrictions)
• We will offer services at the Ronald McDonald House. (**Pending COVID-19 restrictions)
• Instructional support is open to patients. (**Siblings pending COVID-19 restrictions)
• Patient Academic Services helps families navigate the school choice that is best for them. It encourages parents to become advocates for their children.
• We work five days a week year-round to keep students learning and actively engaged in their academics.
• The hospital teachers work closely with district teachers to make sure instruction is as seamless as possible.
• The Patient Academic Services team is a resource for families to gather information about Individualized Education Programs and 504 plans:
  • The Individualized Education Program (IEP): A student with an IEP, as part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), may receive different educational services in a special or regular educational setting, depending on the student's need. IEP programs are delivered and monitored by additional school support staff.
  • 504 plans: The goal of 504 plans is for students to be taught in regular classroom settings with the services, accommodations or educational aids they need. If they can't achieve satisfactory academic success, as is determined by the school, then alternative settings at the school, private or residential programs should be considered.

Support Our Program

The Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital patient academics program averages:

• 3,000 hours of patient care each year
• 300+ hours of school communication
• 10-15 referrals and consults weekly across all units
• 5 educational presentations for clinicians, health care students, or school district personnel

The benefits of patient academic services include, but are not limited to:

• Continued academic growth and engagement in selected curriculum
• Support academic success and graduation
• Serve as a bridge between the hospital and patient’s selected school choice
• Support and educate families about available resources, school choice options, 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Provide enrichment activities to promote academic growth
• Strengthened family bonds and increase a sense of normalcy amongst a very atypical childhood experience

If you're interested in supporting Patient Academic Services, please click here. Thank you for your support of our patients and families!