Educational Services at Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital
We Care About Keeping Students Learning — Safely, Confidently and at Their Own Pace
When young people are hospitalized, school doesn’t have to stop. Our Educational Services department helps ensure every school age patient receives dedicated, developmentally appropriate time for academics (Monday through Friday, year round) led by licensed educators who understand the unique needs of students in behavioral health treatment.
Treatment always comes first. Education still matters. Our patients want to learn, connect and grow. We make that possible.
What We Provide
Students stay engaged with age-appropriate learning across core subjects and essential skills:
- Core academics: Reading, writing, math, science and social studies
- Essential skills: Teamwork, problem-solving, executive functioning and study skills
- Personalized instruction: 1:1 teaching for patients who need individualized, lower-stimulation support
- Spanish curriculum: Full content pathway for Spanish speaking learners and bilingual support where appropriate
- Technology-enabled learning: Devices and secure access for virtual learning with a student’s home school when appropriate
- Mobile library: A diverse, rolling collection that visits units weekly so students can choose books that spark interest
- Full curriculum and lesson plans: Created by our teaching team across subjects, plus a director curated resource activity catalog to extend learning and adapt lessons in real time
How It Works
Licensed educators are onsite Monday through Friday
Instruction is delivered by certified teachers experienced in hospital and behavioral health settings. We adapt instruction based on each student’s readiness, focus and energy on any given day.
Every patient is included
Regardless of diagnosis, acuity or behavior, our education team touches every patient’s experience through group lessons, small groups, quiet study or individualized instruction.
Collaborating with schools
We partner closely with districts, counselors and teachers to:
- Align with current coursework and IEP/504 supports
- Share attendance and participation updates as permitted
- Coordinate assignments, grading guidance and transitions back to school
- Provide technology for secure, virtual connections when appropriate
Our Approach
- Meet students where they are: We adjust pacing, modality and content daily to match treatment goals and clinical recommendations.
- Structured, engaging: Predictable routines with a trauma-informed approach, strengths-based practices.
- Whole-child focus: Academic progress, confidence-building and a sense of normalcy.
- Return-to-school ready: We focus on continuity so students can re-enter the classroom with minimal disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my child fall behind in school while hospitalized?
A: Our goal is to prevent that. We align with home schoolwork, provide daily instruction and coordinate with educators to support a smooth return.
Q: How long are school sessions each day?
A: Session length and structure vary by unit and clinical recommendations, but patients receive one hour of dedicated class time Monday–Friday.
Q: Can my child attend virtual classes with their school?
A: Yes, when clinically appropriate and approved, we provide hospital technology and support video sessions or online platforms.
Q: What if my child has an IEP or 504 Plan?
A: With caregiver consent, we coordinate with the school to align supports as feasible in an inpatient setting and share participation notes to aid re-entry.
Q: Do you provide bilingual instruction?
A: We offer a Spanish curriculum and bilingual support, with additional language services coordinated as available.
Take the First Step
Call 773-265-3700 if you or a loved one is experiencing a psychiatric emergency. We are available 24/7 to discuss treatment options and provide level of care, confidential assessments. You can also use our online contact form for program inquiries.
In case of a mental health crisis, call 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.