Students with complex health conditions and disabilities may rely on health supports to attend school. Some students may have developmental delays or other conditions that do not affect their ability to attend school, but may affect their ability to fully benefit from educational routines.
The Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) provides child and family services on a priority-needs basis. LHIN care coordinators, with specialized knowledge and skills related to child and family services, will assess the child to determine how urgently services are needed. Children with complex needs who require assistance in order to safely attend school are the top priority. Depending on their needs, children or youth may receive services in their homes, at school, or in both settings.
Child and family services offered through the LHIN may include:
- Nursing services
- Dietetic services
- Information and referral services
- Coordination of services
For students in private schools or students who are home schooled, the LHIN may also provide:
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Speech-language pathology
- Personal support
In addition to delivering care in schools, visiting professionals may also provide health-related education, teaching and consultation services to school staff and parents in the school setting.
How to Access Services
For more information about Child and Family Services and how to access these services, please call 416-222-2241 or 905-895-1240.
School-Based Rehabilitation Services in Publicly-Funded Schools
School-based rehabilitation services (occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language pathology) in publicly-funded schools are provided by Children’s Treatment Network of Simcoe-York (CTN). For more information:
Visit: www.ctnsy.ca/schoolrehabservices
Email: SBRS@ctnsy.ca
Tel: 647-351-9900 or 1-877-972-7277
In the publicly-funded school system, personal support services are provided by educators in the classroom.
