A t Bethany Children’s Health Center, pediatric rehabilitation goes beyond physical healing to include academic growth and adaptive recreation for kids. Education isn’t put on hold for children who are recovering from traumatic injuries or managing complex medical needs. In fact, education is an integral part of the healing process. The value of education in pediatric rehabilitation From classroom learning to hands-on activities, children at Bethany Children’s thrive in an environment designed to support every aspect of their development. By integrating Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) with innovative enrichment programs, the center ensures young patients gain confidence and new skills. Whether patients’ hospitalization timelines are a few weeks or several years, when patients stay engaged academically, they avoid falling behind in school while receiving life-changing care. Healing Through Education How Bethany Children’s Health Center keeps patients on track academically
BETHANY CHILDREN’S ADAPTED RECREATION AND FINE ARTS CENTER HELPS PREPARE PATIENTS FOR LIFE OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL BY SIMULATING REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCES, LIKE TRANSFERRING IN AND OUT OF VEHICLES AND NAVIGATING A VARIETY OF SURFACES.
The education team at Bethany Children’s works tirelessly to design and implement services tailored to each child’s needs, keeping the hospital’s mission at heart: maximizing every child’s potential. “Education services provide the resources patients need to succeed,” said Amber Samuel, a special education teacher. “Teachers at Bethany Children’s bridge the gap between the hospital and school.” Thanks to a partnership with Bethany Public Schools, patients can complete assignments through an accredited online curriculum program during their stay. Teachers also evaluate and develop IEPs for students, ensuring a smooth transition when they are ready to go back to their home schools. AJ’s journey back to the classroom AJ, a patient at Bethany Children’s from age 7 to 15, made significant strides during his stay, including a key milestone: attending Bethany Public Schools in person. “Riding the school bus and interacting with peers and teachers in new environments is invaluable,” said special education teacher Matt Harder. “It gives kids like AJ a fresh perspective and essential developmental opportunities.” AJ’s time in public school helped prepare him for life beyond Bethany Children’s. Early in the 2024–25 school year, he was discharged, ready to continue his education back in his hometown. AJ was academically on track thanks to the support he received. On the road to graduation The Pediatric Medical Rehabilitation Unit (PMRU) at Bethany Children’s focuses on maintaining educational continuity for patients
from across the state. With an average stay of three weeks, missing school might not seem significant, but for young learners, even short interruptions can create challenges. Austyn, a high school senior, was admitted to Bethany Children’s after a motor vehicle accident left him with a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures. After his initial recovery, Austyn began working with the hospital’s teachers to prepare for his return to school. “The teachers helped Austyn develop realistic expectations and self-awareness tools to succeed when he returned for his senior year,” said his father, Mickey. “The guidance we received from Dr. Alexandra
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