Alternative Programs

Independent study is an instruction strategy, whether short- or long-term, that responds to students' individual needs. Independent Study is a voluntary and optional educational offering, available at elementary and secondary levels. Student participation in independent study is voluntary and by parent request only. Each school site has an Independent Study Coordinator responsible for the consistent application of policies and procedures.

Short-term Independent Study is primarily used for family vacations or family emergencies, NOT of a medical nature. Students cannot be on Short-term Independent Study while awaiting Home and Hospital Instruction placement. Neither is the Short-term Independent Study to be used in place of disciplinary actions. Short-term Independent Study is a program that allows each student to participate in independent study for 15 days or fewer, cumulatively per school year. Each family may request a Short-term Independent Study that would allow a student to be away from school for a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 15 days within a school year for any reason, EXCEPT medical-related. The requirements for this program include acceptable attendance, grades, behavior, and approval from the school administrator. For more details, please contact your school's Independent Study Coordinator and/or Attendance Clerk. If a student/family is seeking 16 or more days, then the student/family may apply for our Long-term Independent Study, also known as the Online Learning Program.

Long-term Independent Study is the alternative option for the Fontana Unified School District, also known as the Online Learning Program. Students must be enrolled and attend for a minimum of 16 school days. Online Learning allows students to participate in most of their instructional time synchronously with their teacher(s) and asynchronously (independently.)

The purpose of the Home and Hospital Instruction (HHI) Program is to support students with a temporary disability, which makes attendance in regular day classes or alternative education programs impossible, by maintaining a continuity of instruction during the students’ absence from the regular school program.

ELIGIBILITY

1. The program is available to any pupil with a temporary disability (physical, mental, or emotional illness).
2. A physician must have determined, in writing, that the student is unable to attend school for a period of three (3) weeks or longer.
3. Students assigned with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) will need to have a change of placement (COP) meeting prior to starting the Home and Hospital program.

STEPS FOR REQUESTING HOME AND HOSPITAL

1. Parent/Guardian begins the process.
   • Request a HHI Application from your school nurse/office staff.
   • Submit the application to the physician’s office to be completed by the physician.
   • Return the completed application to the school nurse/office staff or principal.
2. The school nurse will time stamp the paperwork, attach a copy of the student’s classes with the application, and note whether the student has a current IEP.
   • Regular education student: the application is sent to the Comprehensive Health Administrator
   • Special Education student: the application is scanned to the Special Education Program Specialist and the Director of Health Services for approval. An IEP team must meet within five (5) working days to deem if the Home and Hospital program is in the best interest of the student.
3. Once the Director of Health Services and/or Special Education has approved or denied the request, the application is scanned to the OLAP Department. (Please note: Instruction cannot start until the HHI technician receives the paperwork, changes the program code on Q, and assigns a teacher.)
   • The HHI technician will time stamp the application, notify parent/guardian of the application status, and notify the school of the approved/denied services.
   • The district will provide a credentialed teacher for up to five (5) hours per week of instruction.
   • All HHI services are in-person at the student home.

Each home school is the direct contact for any Section 504 concerns. Initial Meetings and Annual Meetings are conducted at the school site to determine eligibility, review progress, hear parent/site concerns, and update/remove accommodations. Any concerns, complaints, or requests for additional support, beyond the school site, are to be directed to the Alternative Education Administrator for support, discussion, and review.

Notice of Parent and Student Rights: Under Section 504, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (English)

^{Aviso de Derechos de Padres y Estudiantes: Bajo la Sección 504, Ley de Reahabilitación de 1973 (español)}

The Governing Board recognizes that marriage, pregnancy, or parenting responsibilities may disrupt a student’s education and increase the chance of a student dropping out of school. The Board therefore desires to support married, pregnant, and parenting students to continue their education, attain strong academic and parenting skills, and promote the healthy development of their children. The district shall not discriminate against any student based on the student’s actual or potential marital status, family status, parental status, pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or related recovery (Education Code 230; 34 CFR 106.40.)

FUSD will provide educational and related support services directly or in collaboration with community agencies and organizations to meet married, pregnant, or parenting students' needs. For school-related purposes, a student under the age of 18 years who enters into a valid marriage shall have all the rights and privileges of students who are 18 years old, even if the marriage has been dissolved. (Family Code 7002)

^{Married, Pregnant, Parenting Students: Learn Your Options and Rights! Brochure}