Can My Child Get IHSS and Attend School or Therapy?

If your child has special needs or a disability, you may be receiving In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to help with their daily care. A common question many parents and caregivers have is: Can my child receive IHSS and still attend school or therapy sessions at the same time?

The good news is: Yes, your child can receive IHSS while attending school or therapy, but there are some important details to understand.

What Is IHSS?

IHSS is a California program that provides assistance to people with disabilities or health conditions so they can stay safely in their own homes. For children, IHSS workers can help with activities such as:

• Feeding
• Bathing
• Mobility assistance
• Medication reminders
• Supervision

How Does IHSS Work When My Child Is at School or Therapy?

Because IHSS is designed to support your child in the home, the services are typically provided when your child is physically at home. This means:

• When your child is at school or attending therapy outside the home, IHSS providers are generally not authorized to provide services at those locations.
• However, the IHSS hours can be adjusted to cover times when your child is home, including before or after school, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Can IHSS Providers Accompany My Child to School or Therapy?

IHSS generally does not cover transportation to school or therapy, nor does it allow caregivers to provide care at school. The rationale is that school districts and therapy providers usually have staff responsible for supervision and care during those times.

If your child requires special assistance at school, you might explore:

• Individualized Education Program (IEP) services, which can include aides or therapists during school hours.
• Regional Center services for additional in-home or community support.

What Happens If My Child Has Medical Needs During School?

If your child has complex medical needs requiring assistance during school hours, you may need to coordinate with:

• School nurses or aides assigned through the IEP or 504 Plan.
• Medical professionals or specialized providers.

IHSS will typically cover care only at home, but there may be options to coordinate with other programs for comprehensive support.

Can I Use IHSS Hours for Therapy at Home?

If your child receives therapy at home—such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy—IHSS can often continue to provide personal care services during those visits, as long as the services don’t duplicate what the therapist provides.

Bottom Line

Your child can receive IHSS and attend school or therapy, but IHSS services are primarily for home-based care. For assistance during school or therapy hours, you should work with the school district and other service providers to ensure your child’s needs are met throughout the day.

Need help? In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides crucial financial help for families raising children with special needs. American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action regarding your best interests.

CONTACT US FOR HELP. Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].