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Education Resources

The Harbor Family Center is a hub for development and planning — including basic education, career development and transition planning.

Because of the illness of their child, many of our families have been hospitalized for a long period of time and these same children are often unable to attend school or participate in regular school activities. It’s our goal that all children and families reach their fullest potential.

Experienced, highly motivated, compassionate, innovative, flexible, competent

Although we do not replace the role of district school systems, our teacher is certified by the State of Alabama, has a special education certification, partners with other organizations, and works collaboratively with parents, local and state school districts and the Sunshine School at Children’s of Alabama.

A family-based education program

Children and Youth/ Patients

  • Eligible for pre-K through 12th grade and up to 24 years of age
  • Students
    • Discharged from the hospital; out patient
    • Fallen behind due to illness
    • Unable to attend traditional or regular school setting; attending school, but needs additional support; or never attended school

Siblings

  • Brothers and sisters of very sick children.

Parents

Having a seriously ill child can put a lot of stress on the entire family.  We support you.

  • We also help parents and guardians with their educational, professional development and career goals.
  • Our classroom is open to you, also.

Experienced, highly motivated, compassionate, innovative, flexible, competent

Although we do not replace the role of district school systems, our teacher is certified by the State of Alabama, has a special education certification, partners with other organizations, and works collaboratively with parents, local and state school districts and the Sunshine School at Children’s of Alabama.

A family-based education program

Children and Youth/ Patients

  • Eligible for pre-K through 12th grade and up to 24 years of age
  • Students
    • Discharged from the hospital; out patient
    • Fallen behind due to illness
    • Unable to attend traditional or regular school setting; attending school, but needs additional support; or never attended school

Siblings

  • Brothers and sisters of very sick children.

Parents

Having a seriously ill child can put a lot of stress on the entire family.  We support you.

  • We also help parents and guardians with their educational, professional development and career goals.
  • Our classroom is open to you, also.

OUR SETTING

  • We’re conveniently located inside The Harbor Family Center.
  • We personalize our program to meet individual needs of students.
  • Our flexible scheduling helps a variety of needs.
  • Our family centered classroom is designed for individual and small group learning opportunities.
  • We’re up-to-date with the latest technology, laptop computers, printer, supplies, resources, and much more.

OUR PROGRAM

We have 3 core components to help children and their families accomplish their lifelong goals

Basic Education

We want all children and families to succeed

Basic Education

Our focus and passion is meeting the needs of very sick children and their families.  All children, regardless of their health condition are entitled to have access to an educational program that best meets their needs.

From hands-on services such as tutoring in basic subjects to post-secondary school support we also help children and families with the following:

  • Homework Assignments
  • Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies
  • High School Entrance, Grad Exam, GED, SAT and ACT Tests Preparation
  • Communicating Progress to Schools and Other Partners
  • Parental Educational Goals and Career Plan
  • Independent Living Skills
  • College Visits 
Career Development

Discover your skills and interests

Career Development

Youth, young adults, and parents receive career development skills that offer tremendous advantages when evaluating and seeking career choices and opportunities.

The Career Development Program can help you obtain knowledge and self-appreciation skills that improve your ability to make life-changing decisions.

  • Learn how to locate, evaluate and understand career information and choices
  • Learn about and obtain job skills in a variety of occupational areas
  • Functional Vocational Evaluation
  • Get connected with a job coach and mentor
  • Participate in job shadowing and internships.
  • Learn vocational, computer and technology skills
  • Employment and Career Interests
  • Develop networking skills
Transition Living

From school to work – helping young adults when it’s time to leave home

Transition Living

Moving from being a teenager to becoming a young adult can be overwhelming. There are a lot of questions to be answered and many decisions to be made.  We help teens transition from high school to working and living in the community.

We work with families to find and coordinate services needed to move their young adult from dependence to independence. This gradual process takes planning, coordination, cooperation of the family, and a team of consultants to help deliver successful outcomes.

Basic Education

We want all children and families to succeed

Basic Education

Our focus and passion is meeting the needs of very sick children and their families.  All children, regardless of their health condition are entitled to have access to an educational program that best meets their needs.

From hands-on services such as tutoring in basic subjects to post-secondary school support we also help children and families with the following:

  • Homework Assignments
  • Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies
  • High School Entrance, Grad Exam, GED, SAT and ACT Tests Preparation
  • Communicating Progress to Schools and Other Partners
  • Parental Educational Goals and Career Plan
  • Independent Living Skills
  • College Visits 
Career Development

Discover your skills and interests

Career Development

Youth, young adults, and parents receive career development skills that offer tremendous advantages when evaluating and seeking career choices and opportunities.

The Career Development Program can help you obtain knowledge and self-appreciation skills that improve your ability to make life-changing decisions.

  • Learn how to locate, evaluate and understand career information and choices
  • Learn about and obtain job skills in a variety of occupational areas
  • Functional Vocational Evaluation
  • Get connected with a job coach and mentor
  • Participate in job shadowing and internships.
  • Learn vocational, computer and technology skills
  • Employment and Career Interests
  • Develop networking skills
Transition Living

From school to work – helping young adults when it’s time to leave home

Transition Living

Moving from being a teenager to becoming a young adult can be overwhelming. There are a lot of questions to be answered and many decisions to be made.  We help teens transition from high school to working and living in the community.

We work with families to find and coordinate services needed to move their young adult from dependence to independence. This gradual process takes planning, coordination, cooperation of the family, and a team of consultants to help deliver successful outcomes.

OUR SERVICES

We help with

  • Daily Living Skills
  • Educational Instruction and Digital Literacy
  • Supportive Services
  • Community Engagement Experiences
  • Job and Career Interests and Skills
  • Other Related Services such as collaboration and networking with professionals and linking with various resources in the community.

To find out more information about our services, please call (205) 638-6123.

 

Office Location

The Education, Career Development and Transition Living office is located inside Children’s Harbor Family Center (Suite 200) at the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children in Birmingham.

School services are provided throughout the academic year and during the summer months, excluding holidays.

Phone: (205) 638-6608 or (205) 638-6123

Hours

Sunday

Closed

Monday

8:30AM to 8PM (open during lunch)

Tuesday

8:30AM to 8PM (open during lunch)

Wednesday

8:30AM to 8PM (open during lunch)

Thursday

8:30AM to 8PM (open during lunch)

Friday

8:30AM to 8PM (open during lunch)

Saturday

10AM to 4PM (open during lunch)