Admissions

The admissions process is a collaboration between HMS, the school district and the prospective family.

Admission to HMS operates on a rolling basis throughout the year for students ages 5-21/22 and is based on several factors. Primary aspects include gaining support from the student’s school district and determining if HMS is an appropriate program for a student. HMS provides functional (life skills) academics, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreation therapy, expressive arts, and assistive technology support.

HMS does not provide Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA), behavioral health services, Orientation and Mobility (O&M) or audiology services but can work with the referring school district and students’ families to try to accommodate the need for these services. HMS accepts students throughout Pennsylvania and occasionally across the United States.

The Admissions Process

The admissions process varies from student to student, below is a general summary.

  • 1
    A parent, school district or other professional contacts HMS to exchange initial information about the potential applicant.
  • 2
    The admissions coordinator arranges a tour of the school with the prospective family.
  • 3
    The school district makes a referral to HMS along with school records, and relevant medical information for the admissions committee to review.
  • 4
    If HMS has the potential to provide an appropriate program, we will work with the family to schedule a screening.
  • 5
    A multidisciplinary team including a special education teacher, speech and language pathologist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, assistive technologist, social worker and nurse complete a developmentally appropriate screening to determine if the student would benefit from the HMS school program.
  • 6
    If HMS is able to provide an appropriate program and the family and school district are in agreement with placement, enrollment can take place at any time during the school year.
  • 7
    Once a child is accepted for admission and funding is in place, an HMS social worker and the family work together to facilitate the child’s transition to HMS.

Admission, the provision of services and referral of students shall be made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin (including limited English proficiency), or gender.

School District Professionals

We collaborate successfully with school district professionals in a variety of ways on behalf of these students and their families.

HMS has established itself as a respected institution throughout the Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania, and across the nation. For decades, we have maintained excellence in serving children with disabilities and significant health issues. Our collaborative approach with school district professionals has been instrumental in supporting these students and their families effectively.

Our distinctive multidisciplinary team approach encompasses comprehensive student evaluation, program recommendations, goal setting, and service delivery. The team consists of experienced specialists, including both professionals and paraeducators, supported by skilled nurses available 24/7. These nurses manage essential medical needs such as medication administration, respiratory treatments, and tube feedings.

HMS becomes a valuable resource when a student’s needs exceed the capabilities of a local school district’s special education program. We understand that district IEP teams may recognize limitations in serving students with severe and multiple disabilities. In such cases, HMS offers an alternative placement option. We emphasize a collaborative partnership approach, actively including both parents and school district representatives as integral members of our team.

Beyond student placement, HMS provides valuable consultation services specifically focused on supporting students with significant, multiple disabilities. Additionally, our Extended School Year program welcomes participation from students who are not regularly enrolled at HMS, offering flexibility and support to meet diverse educational needs.

Consultation Services

  • Multidisciplinary evaluations with a Special Education Teacher, Speech and Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Assistive Technologist
  • Assessment and recommendations for direct service providers for students’ school and home accessibility, equipment needs, computer access, assistive technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, power mobility, and environmental controls
  • Follow-up services and ongoing consultation from HMS staff for families, education, and therapy providers are available for scheduling