CHIP: The Chronic Health Impaired Program of the Baltimore City Public School System

Abstract

Chronically ill chidren tend to be sick on a short, repeated basis that is hard to anticipate Because of the short-term nature of each period of illness, these students are not eligible for traditional home teaching To address their special educational needs, the Chronic Health Impaired Program (CHIP) was developed In 1980, 547 students were enrolled When these children are unable to attend school, special CHIP teachers secure their homework and instruct them in the home or hospital The specific objectives of the program are (a) to increase school attendance, (b) to decrease the nonpromotion rate, and (c) to maintain academic achievement In addition, CHIP provides counseling, peer tutoring, and parenting services to children and families enrolled in the program Comparative test scores and absentee rates indicate success in achieving the program's goals.