Homebound Instruction in Virginia: A Guide for Families and Districts
Virginia school divisions provide homebound instruction to students who are confined at home or in a health care facility and can't attend school. The state sets the basic rules, and the Virginia Department of Education's homebound handbook, which many divisions still follow, fills in the details on hours, timelines, and paperwork.
Quick answer: In Virginia, homebound instruction is for public school students confined at home or in a health care facility for periods that prevent normal school attendance. A licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist must certify the need. VDOE's handbook recommends approvals of up to nine weeks at a time, starting within five instructional days of approval.
New to the process? Start with our complete guide to homebound instruction.
What the rules say
Virginia's Standards of Accreditation define homebound instruction as academic instruction for students who are confined at home or in a health care facility for periods of time that prevent normal school attendance, based on certification of need by a licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist. Each school division sets its own procedures, usually through a homebound coordinator.
Who can certify the need
A licensed physician
A licensed clinical psychologist
A nurse practitioner, where a physician's signature is required, under Code of Virginia § 54.1-2957.02
VDOE's handbook notes that nurses, social workers, and other professionals not listed can't certify need, and that homebound services are for the student's own illness or injury.
The Medical Certification of Need form
Divisions use a form based on VDOE's "Homebound Instruction Medical Certification of Need." The provider describes the illness, whether the student is confined, whether the illness is intermittent, possible school accommodations, ongoing treatment, and an estimated return date. The parent completes a release so the division can contact the provider.
Timelines and approval length
Start: the handbook says instruction should begin within five instructional days of approval.
Length: approval generally can't exceed nine calendar weeks.
Extensions: longer service needs an extension or reauthorization form with a treatment plan and a transition plan.
Recommended minimum hours
Elementary: one hour per day.
Middle school: eight hours per week.
High school: two hours per core academic subject per week.
Students with IEPs: the IEP team sets the hours.
Homebound vs. home-based instruction for students with IEPs
VDOE distinguishes two options. Homebound instruction requires medical certification, and the IEP team decides services and documents that they are temporary. Home-based instruction is an IEP placement delivered at home that doesn't require medical certification. If services are delayed or interrupted, the IEP team should review whether compensatory services are needed.
A checklist for families
Ask your school for the division's homebound application and medical certification form.
Have a licensed physician, licensed clinical psychologist, or nurse practitioner complete it.
Sign the release so the division can contact the provider.
Confirm the approved dates, weekly hours, teacher, and start date in writing.
If the absence may last more than nine weeks, ask early about reauthorization.
Frequently asked questions
Who can certify the need for homebound instruction in Virginia?
A licensed physician or licensed clinical psychologist. Under Virginia law, a nurse practitioner may also sign where a physician's signature is required.
How many hours of homebound instruction does Virginia recommend?
VDOE's homebound handbook recommends minimums of one hour per day for elementary students, eight hours per week for middle school, and two hours per core academic subject per week for high school. For students with IEPs, the IEP team sets the hours.
How long can homebound instruction last in Virginia?
VDOE's handbook says approval generally can't exceed nine calendar weeks. Longer service requires an extension or reauthorization with a treatment plan and a transition plan.
How Einstein Tutoring can help
Einstein Tutoring partners with school districts and treatment facilities to provide in-person homebound and hospital instruction by certified teachers, with virtual options when they fit better. Placement usually takes under 5 days, often within 3. Learn about our home and hospital instruction services or call (617) 600-5944.
Source: VDOE Homebound Instructional Services handbook. Virginia's division procedures vary, and VDOE guidance can change. This article is general information, not legal advice.
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