Focus Forward Program
Program Overview
Focus Forward is a specialized homeschooling program designed for school-age students recovering from brain tumors. The program offers personalized educational support and comprehensive rehabilitation services, ensuring students can continue their academic journey while managing recovery at home. Focus Forward integrates educational toolkits, monthly financial assistance, and effective homeschooling management to support both academic progress and overall well-being.
Program Goals:
~ To provide tailored educational support that aligns with each student's recovery needs and academic goals.
~ To manage all aspects of homeschooling, ensuring compliance with Ohio’s educational requirements.
~ To alleviate the financial and emotional burdens on families by offering resources and monthly financial assistance.
~ To support the integration of rehabilitation therapies with educational activities addressing the unique challenges faced during recovery.
Understanding the Incidence and Impact:
Incidence of Pediatric Brain Tumors: Pediatric brain tumors affect approximately 5 per 100,000 children annually. In Ohio, this equates to around 130 new cases each year. The impact on education can be profound, with students experiencing cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges due to their condition and treatment.
Variety and Severity: Tumors range from less aggressive types to highly malignant forms, with treatment often involving surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The educational disruption caused by these treatments necessitates a focused approach to continue learning during recovery.
Key Features and Services:
1. Initial Consultation and Planning:
In-Depth Intake Assessment:
~ Review the student’s educational history, current health status, and recovery needs.
~ Obtain parental consent for communication with previous schools and relevant entities.
~ Develop a personalized educational plan aligned with Ohio’s educational standards and the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Customized Educational Plan:
~ Design a curriculum tailored to the student’s pace of recovery and cognitive abilities.
~ Integrate feedback from parents, medical professionals, and educational specialists to create a comprehensive and supportive plan.
2. Homeschool Management and Compliance:
Instruction Hours and Curriculum Management:
~ Ensure homeschooling meets Ohio’s requirements for instructional hours and content coverage.
~ Regularly update the curriculum to align with state standards and the student’s evolving needs.
Record Maintenance:
~ Keep detailed records of the student’s educational progress, including attendance, assessments, and achievements.
Annual Assessment of Progress:
~ Conduct or facilitate required annual assessments to evaluate academic progress and ensure compliance with Ohio’s homeschooling regulations. Ongoing Support and Guidance:
~ Provide continuous support to parents in managing homeschooling responsibilities, navigating educational requirements, and ensuring the student’s education remains on track.
3. Rehabilitation Integration:
Integrated Therapy:
~ Coordinate educational activities with therapeutic interventions, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
~ Incorporate educational content into therapy exercises to support learning and recovery.
Supportive Tools:
~ Provide educational toolkits with materials designed for home use, supporting both academic and rehabilitative needs.
4. Coordination with Existing Services:
Communication with Previous Schools:
~ Obtain academic records and information on prior educational support to ensure continuity in learning.
Integration with Medical Recovery:
~ Collaborate with healthcare providers to align the educational plan with the student’s medical treatment and rehabilitation schedule.
5. Parental Support and Financial Assistance:
Monthly Financial Assistance:
~ Offer a monthly stipend to families to help cover additional costs associated with recovery and education.
Educational Workshops and Resources:
~ Provide workshops on navigating the educational system, understanding educational rights, and supporting the student’s transition back to traditional schooling.
Parental Training and Guidance:
~ Equip parents with strategies and resources to effectively manage their child’s education during recovery.
Regular Communication:
~ Maintain open lines of communication with parents to address concerns and provide updates on the student’s progress.
6. Emotional and Social Support:
Emotional Well-being:
~ Address emotional and psychological aspects of learning during recovery, providing counseling and support groups for both the child and their family.
Social Interaction:
~Incorporate opportunities for social interaction and engagement with peers to support the child’s social development and prevent isolation.
7. Transition Planning and Support:
Reintegration Readiness Assessment:
~ Evaluate the student’s readiness for returning to traditional schooling or other educational settings.
Reintegration Planning:
~ Develop a detailed plan for transition, identifying additional support or accommodations needed.
Ongoing Support:
~ Provide follow-up support to monitor the student’s adjustment to new educational environments and make necessary adjustments to the plan.
Program Benefits:
Comprehensive Homeschool Management: Ensures that the student’s education complies with Ohio’s requirements, managing all aspects of instruction hours, record-keeping, and progress assessments.
Tailored Educational Support: Provides a customized learning experience that supports academic progress during recovery, addressing the unique challenges faced by students with brain tumors.
Flexible Learning Environment: Offers adaptive learning methods and schedules that accommodate the student’s health and recovery needs
Parental Guidance and Financial Support: Equips parents with the resources, knowledge, and financial assistance needed to support their child’s education and recovery effectively.
Holistic Support: Integrates educational activities with therapeutic interventions and provides emotional and social support, ensuring a well-rounded approach to recovery and education.
Eligibility and Enrollment:
Eligibility: School-age students recovering from brain tumors, whether malignant or benign, are eligible for the Focus Forward program.
Enrollment Process: Interested families can complete an application form and provide necessary medical and educational documentation. An initial consultation will be scheduled to develop a personalized educational plan tailored to the student’s needs.
Contact Information:
For more information or to schedule a consultation,
Gerald Anderson, Executive Director
info@alshomeschool.org
"Dedicated to creating opportunities for Students with Diagnosed Disabilities"