Being in the hospital can be distressing for children. It changes daily routines such as going to school and may also cause fear of falling behind in school. The MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital (MHBBCH) Hospital School Program helps prevent this worry and stress for hospitalized children and their families.
High-quality educational services for hospitalized children
Our Maine certified teacher, Dana Fadel M.S. Ed. works with hospitalized children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
School liaison services
With permission, we will work with your child’s school to:
- Discuss how being in the hospital may impact your child’s education
- Make short- or long-term adjustments to learning
- Support your requests for IEP evaluations and/or 504 plans
- Coordinate plans for learning at home
Academic services
Our program keeps children learning while in the hospital. We offer to:
- Work with your child’s teachers and school while in the hospital
- Discuss learning plans with the doctors and nurses
- Provide individual instruction to your child
- Offer books, games, computers and other school materials
- Offer social and emotional support, such as online meetings for your child with their teacher and classmates
- Help school re-entry when discharged from MHBBCH
- Coordinate home-bound instruction, when needed
Before a planned visit
To prepare for a planned hospitalization:
- Bring your school materials (books, computer, papers, etc.)
- Notify your school of your child’s upcoming absence
- Ask your child’s teacher and/or counselor for work he/she might miss and could complete in the hospital
- Tell your school about our program
Contact Us
If you have questions or would like to request school services, please contact:
Dana Fadel M.S. Ed.
Phone: 207-662-4308
Email: dana.fadel@mainehealth.org
You can also speak with your child's nurse or child life specialist.