Empowering Learning and Restoring Hope: Creating Customized Programs for Medically Fragile Children

Children in medical facilities encounter systemic barriers to education despite legal mandates. This study aimed to enhance educational opportunities by addressing inconsistencies through research-based strategies. The study adopted a dual strategy, positing that proactive organizational readiness measures alongside the implementation of an in-house program would cultivate a supportive educational environment. It utilized two PDSA cycles, each concentrating on organizational readiness and program quality, respectively. Using a mixed methods design, improvements in both were revealed. Key themes emerged, including a focus on student health, organizational adaptability, and improved communication. The first cycle addressed readiness, implementing strategies aligned with research a leadership readiness assessment. The attendance data indicated significant improvements following the intervention. The second cycle focused on program quality, utilizing a Quality Indicator Rubric. Results showcased increased quality, with notable progress in assessing student responsiveness and increased scores on the rubric. Overall, the study emphasizes data-driven approaches to enhance educational opportunities for medical facility students, empowering families and school districts to make informed decisions. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]