We’re here to deliver safe, thoughtful, high-quality care for kids who need it. Learn about visitation policies and all the ways we’re keeping patients safe, including face covering requirements at all locations.
In life-threatening emergencies, find the emergency room location nearest you. For non-life-threatening medical needs when your pediatrician is unavailable, visit one of our urgent care locations.
About the Medical Day Treatment Program: A School Within the Hospital
Created in 1991, Medical Day Treatment is a joint venture between Children’s Hospital Colorado and Aurora Public Schools. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for children and teens whose chronic medical illnesses prevent them from attending traditional school settings.
The Medical Day Treatment team works together with youth and families to reach academic goals and improve physical and emotional health.
Our team includes:
Nurses
Teachers
Mental health staff
Creative arts therapists
Services we provide
We provide broad and integrated services to meet each child's unique medical, schooling and mental health needs. Our program runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. through the calendar year and includes:
Comprehensive initial evaluation
Individualized treatment plans
Monthly family meetings to keep track of each child's progress toward goals
Medical evaluation and daily nursing support
Consultation with a psychiatrist if needed
Individual, family and group therapies
Daily classroom support and specialized learning plans
Therapeutic setting
Community outings
Breakfast, lunch and snacks
Steps to join our program
The youth and family take part in a pre-placement meeting with the Medical Day Treatment team.
Admission to Medical Day Treatment must be supported by a medical provider.
The youth's home school district approves the placement.
The parent or guardian agrees to take part in the program.
Admission criteria
Diagnosis of chronic or debilitating disease
Frequent hospitalizations and/or Emergency Department visits
Significant school absenteeism due to illness
Nonadherence with medical routines
Aged 7 to 21 years old
Parent/guardian must be involved with the program
School district approval
Why choose a special school for children with medical needs?
Located at Children's Colorado on Anschutz Medical Campus, the Medical Day Treatment Program provides medical, educational and psychosocial interventions to children and adolescents with chronic medical illnesses. This program is designed for students aged 7 to 21 years old who have difficulty functioning in a traditional school environment, either because of their illness or due to psychological reactions to their medical condition.
How does our school program work?
A maximum of 30 patients can be served at any given time. This is an accredited school program that employs two certified teachers along with two paraprofessionals from the Aurora Public School system. The program is also staffed with nurses, a psychologist, social worker and other medical professionals.
The program schedule is similar to school; it is open Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. The program's length of stay varies based on individual needs. Medical day treatment is helpful for patients making the transition out of the hospital or to stabilize children from the community who are having difficulty with daily activities at home and school.
Specific conditions we treat
Chronic conditions treated at the Medical Day Treatment Program include:
For more information, or if you are a physician seeking to make a referral, please call 720-777-2900.
Compassionate Care, Wherever You Are
We’re here when you need us. Telehealth appointments are available across every one of our specialties, so you can get the high-quality care we’ve always offered from the comfort, privacy and convenience of your home.
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Provider affiliation
Children's Hospital Colorado providers
Children’s Hospital Colorado providers are faculty members of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Our specialists are nationally ranked and globally recognized for delivering the best possible care in pediatrics.
Community providers
Some healthcare professionals listed on our website have medical privileges to practice at Children’s Hospital Colorado, but they are community providers. They schedule and bill separately for their services, and are not employees of the Hospital.