Homebound Instruction Rules by State: Northeast Guide

Every state requires public schools to keep educating students who can't attend school because of a medical or mental health condition. But each state names the program differently, sets its own eligibility rules, and decides how many hours of instruction a student receives. This page collects our state-by-state guides for the Northeast so families, school districts, and treatment facilities can find the rules that apply to them.

Homebound instruction by state

Select your state for eligibility rules, paperwork, required hours, and what to expect once instruction begins.

• Connecticut: Homebound and hospitalized instruction. Read the Connecticut guide

• Delaware: Supportive instruction (homebound). Read the Delaware guide

• Maine: Homebound and hospital instruction. Full guide coming soon.

• Massachusetts: Home and hospital instruction. Read the Massachusetts guide

• New Hampshire: Home instruction. Read the New Hampshire guide

• New Jersey: Home instruction. Read the New Jersey guide

• New York: Homebound instruction. Read the New York guide

• Pennsylvania: Homebound instruction. Read the Pennsylvania guide

• Rhode Island: Homebound and hospital instruction. Read the Rhode Island guide

• Vermont: Homebound and hospital instruction. Read the Vermont guide

What the programs have in common

• A medical or mental health reason. Most states require a statement from a physician or licensed provider confirming the student cannot attend school for an extended period.

• The district is responsible. The student's school district arranges and pays for instruction, whether the student is at home, in a hospital, or in a treatment program.

• Instruction follows the student's curriculum. Teachers work from the student's own coursework so the student can return to class on track.

• IEPs and 504 plans still apply. Special education services and accommodations continue during homebound or hospital instruction.

In-person vs. virtual homebound instruction

Many providers now offer homebound instruction only online. Virtual sessions can work for some students, but students recovering from surgery, managing a serious illness, or receiving psychiatric care often do better with a certified teacher in the room. Einstein Tutoring provides in-person homebound and hospital instruction, with virtual options when a family or district prefers them.

Need a homebound teacher?

Einstein Tutoring partners with school districts, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, residential treatment centers, and partial hospitalization programs to place certified teachers, usually within 3 days. Call (617) 600-5944 or contact our team to request a teacher. Learn more about our home and hospital instruction services, read what homebound instruction is, or browse our homebound instruction FAQs.