Children’s Day Treatment Program

Children and Youth admitted into the Children’s Day Treatment Program have access to educational programming based on the child’s current mental health and medical needs.  In consultation with parents, our Alberta Health Services and Recovery Alberta multi-disciplinary team, a learning plan is created to support your child during their treatment.  With parental/guardian consent, the classroom teacher will contact your child’s community school to establish learning goals in order to support an effective transition back to school when your child has completed treatment.

For more information about having your child attend school during their admission, please contact our main office or your child’s family counsellor. 

Mental Health Patient Care Unit

Children and Youth admitted into the Mental Health Patient Care Unit have access to daily educational programming based on the child’s current mental health and medical needs.  In consultation with parents and our Recovery Alberta multi-disciplinary team, a learning plan is created to support your child during their admission.  With parental/guardian consent, the classroom teacher will contact your child’s community school to establish learning goals in order to support an effective transition back to school when your child is discharged from the Mental Health Patient Care Unit. 

For more information about having your child attend school during their admission, please contact our main office or your child’s family counsellor. 

Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program 

Children and Youth admitted into the Eating Disorders Day Treatment Program have access to educational programming based on the child’s current mental health and medical needs.  In consultation with parents, our Alberta Health Services and Recovery Alberta multi-disciplinary team, a learning plan is created to support your child during their treatment.  With parental/guardian consent, the classroom teacher will contact your child’s community school to establish learning goals in order to support an effective transition back to school when your child has completed treatment.

For more information about having your child attend school during their admission, please contact our main office or your child’s family counsellor. 

Intensive Pain and Rehabilitation Program 

Children and Youth admitted into the Intensive Pain and Rehabilitation Program have access to educational programming based on the child’s current mental health and medical needs.  In consultation with parents, our Alberta Health Services and Recovery Alberta multi-disciplinary team, a learning plan is created to support your child during their treatment.  With parental/guardian consent, the classroom teacher will contact your child’s community school to establish learning goals in order to support an effective transition back to school when your child has completed treatment.

For more information about having your child attend school during their admission, please contact our main office or your child’s family counsellor. 

Rotary Flames House

Children and Youth accessing supports at the Rotary Flames House have access to educational programming based on the child’s current medical needs.  In consultation with parents, our Alberta Health Services multi-disciplinary team, a learning plan is created to support your child during their treatment.  With parental/guardian consent, the classroom teacher will contact your child’s community school to establish learning goals in order to support an effective transition back to school when your child has completed treatment.

For more information about having your child attend school during their admission, please contact our main office. 

In-patient School Team (IST)

Our Goal

Dr. Gordon Townsend School (DGTS) is a part of the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), and our certified teachers follow the Alberta programs of study. We strive to support students with their educational needs during their admission(s) or duration of treatment. Our teachers consider the developmental, health and academic needs of each student. Educational support provides hope and positivity for our students. 

Our Program

We offer educational support for grades K-12, including individuals with complex needs and from unique learning settings. School time looks like what it needs to. Teachers assigned to students will bring individualized lessons to the student’s bedside to meet their student’s learning needs and interests. The learning sessions are relationship-based and responsive to how your child is feeling. Bedside sessions occur usually 2 times a week for an hour. Session days and times are decided with your assigned teacher. 

Benefits to IST

• Gives students a sense of hope and normalcy while they are away from school
• Preserves a sense of identity for your child
• Helps with identification of any changes in learning due to illness or injury
• Supports the wellbeing of your child to motivate them to return to learning
• Provides collaboration and communication with your child’s community teacher 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my child registered for school services at ACH?

Talk to your child’s Social Worker (SW) or Child Life Specialist (CLS) about referring your child for DGTS services. If school is appropriate for your child, at this time, your SW or CLS will send in a referral to DGTS. The referral form will be assigned to the teacher who may best fit your child’s learning needs. Your referred teacher will contact you to discuss what school would look like for your child and the day and times for sessions. The teacher will also provide a school registration form for you to complete. 

Will registering at DGTS impact my child’s registration at their community school?

No, the registration at DGTS is concurrent, your child remains registered at their community school. DGTS registration is temporary and only applies while your child receives treatment at ACH. 

If my child isn’t a part of CBE, will they still be able to receive support from the In-Patient School Team?

Yes! As long as the registration forms are signed, the IST teachers may work with any child while they are a patient at ACH. 

Do I need to tell my child’s community school that they are admitted to the hospital or receiving treatment?

It is recommended that you communicate with your child’s community school. If possible provide a timeline of when your child may return to school. It is also good to let them know that a teacher from DGTS will contact them to discuss your child’s educational needs. 

What may school look like for patients from the Hematology Oncology and Transplant (HOT) Program?

The medical protocols for Unit One and HOT clinic patients often require long/frequent absences from school. School support is continued or offered while the child is not admitted but continuing treatment. Times and locations within ACH, are arranged between the assigned teacher and the family.