Dayton Children’s inpatient rehabilitation delivers world-class care, close to home.

The inpatient rehabilitation program at Dayton Children’s Hospital offers patients comprehensive care and therapies to help them recover from a severe injury or illness. Our care team creates personalized treatment plans to meet the unique medical, behavioral, educational and social needs of our patients. We work closely with a multidisciplinary team to optimize recovery and maximize their quality of life.

on this page:

• care team members
• who qualifies for inpatient rehab?
• where is inpatient rehab?
• what is an educational rehab specialist?
• steps to return to school after injury/illness
• resources for returning to school

who is on the inpatient rehab team?
The inpatient rehabilitation program team is led by fellowship-trained physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians that invest in their patients' long-term recovery.

Additional team members include:

• hospital medicine pediatricians
• physical, occupational and speech therapists
• nurses
• psychologists
• social workers
• dietitians
• child life specialists
• educational specialists and more.

who qualifies for inpatient rehabilitation?
Your child may qualify for inpatient rehabilitation if they:

• Are between 12 months to 18 years: patients outside of this age range may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on medical and social needs.
• Have had a decline in functional status compared to before hospitalization, injury, or surgery and may benefit from intensive rehabilitation.
• Need at least two of the following therapies (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and/or speech therapy) daily.
• Can tolerate at least 3 hours of therapy daily, 5 days per week.
• Have functional goals that can be measured and met on the inpatient rehabilitation unit within a reasonable amount of time (ex. 1-6 weeks)
• Have insurance authorization for admission to inpatient rehabilitation

where is inpatient rehab?
Inpatient rehab is located at Dayton Children’s main campus (One Children’s Plaza Dayton, Ohio 45404).

what is an educational rehab specialist?

The educational rehab specialist helps patients continue schoolwork while in the hospital to help lessen the stress of being out of school while in treatment. They also help advocate and coordinate to support your child's needs as they return to school. This includes:

• Acting as a link among patients and family, the school and the medical team
• Provide medical documentation and recommendations to help with the patient's return to school
• Can participate in formal school meetings
• Help families understand what support and resources are available to their child

general steps for return to school after injury/illness

1. Your child's physician will determine the best date for safe return to school.
2. Contact your child's school to communicate your child's return to school date and potential needs for safety and success.
3. Talk to your child's providers and therapists for any considerations for return to school.
4. Discuss with your child's school and medical teams a plan for returning to school. This could look like half days, modified schedule, full days, or home instruction.
5. Items to consider and discuss with your child's school:

• What are your child's mobility needs? Does the school have steps your child needs to navigate?
• What does transportation look like for your child?
• Does your child have restrictions for physical activity? (i.e. gym class, recess, etc.).
• Does your child need specialized instruction or accommodations to access the educational environment and curriculum? Do they qualify tor a 504 or IEP? View the difference between a 504 and IEP by clicking here.

Follow up with your child's medical team with any questions or concerns. 

resources for parents if your child is experiencing challenges returning to school after injury or illness:

• Your local State Support Team can provide a parent and family consultant to work with you to help advocate for services that your child may need. Click this link, then select your county.
• Brain Injury Association of Ohio: 1-800-444-6443
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities: 1-800-617-6733
• The Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities: 1-740-382-5452

You have rights as a parent with a child with special needs. Click here to access A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education.

To get more information, please contact the rehab team directly at 937-641-3471.