 Going to school is a daily activity for most children. So when their schedule is changed because of illness, especially when they are hospitalized, it becomes important to make their lives as normal as possible. That’s the purpose behind Stay Smart University, a unique program that meets the educational needs of children hospitalized at Monmouth Medical Center.
The only one of its kind in a hospital pediatric unit in central New Jersey, the “university” is staffed by certified teachers from the Long Branch school system. These teachers volunteer their time after the regular teaching day is over to provide educational instruction to help children keep up with schoolwork during their hospital stay.
The program is also particularly valuable to children who frequently are admitted to Monmouth because of chronic illness.
As part of the program, 5-to-18-year-olds who are admitted to The Mary Stavola Children’s Pavilion at Monmouth can either continue their schoolwork at bedside or, if their condition permits, in a one-room “schoolhouse) located in the pediatric unit.
The schoolhouse is equipped with all the makings of a classroom, including personal computers, child-sized furniture, a chalkboard and “fun” educational games and equipment.
Monmouth Medical Center
300 Second Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
For further information, call Child Life Services at Monmouth Medical Center at 732-923-6525.
[ top ] |
