Medical Day Treatment

For children with medical needs, going to school can look a little different. Medical Day Treatment is a unique school setting within the hospital for kids who benefit from extra support. The program serves students whose medical condition make it hard for them to attend their more traditional school. 

About Medical Day Treatment  

Created in 1991, the Medical Day Treatment Program began at Children’s Hospital Colorado in collaboration with Aurora Public Schools. Located on Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, the program provides medical, educational and mental health care to students with long-lasting medical illnesses. Students learn temporarily in a classroom in the hospital so they can prioritize their health without falling behind on their studies and eventually return to their regular classroom. 

The care team includes nurses, teachers, mental health experts and creative arts therapists. Learn more about how our care team works together with kids and their families to reach academic goals while focusing on physical and emotional health.  

Admissions Criteria 

Medical day treatment is designed for students who have long-lasting health needs and challenges, and could benefit from a nontraditional school . A medical referral is necessary for admission.  

Because we care for kids, we follow the school year calendar. Students can attend during the school year, over the summer break with separate programming, or both. Students can stay in the program for as long as they benefit, based on their individual needs.  

Medical day treatment is a full school program for students who are not currently hospitalized. If your child is inpatient at Children's Colorado right now, we still have ways to support their education with our Hospital School Services. 

Learn more about Medical Day Treatment admission requirements.

Our team’s approach  

Our accredited school program employs paraprofessionals and certified teachers. The program is also staffed with nurses and other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and social workers.  

Learn more about our care team

Our services and care 

In the Medical Day Treatment Program, students ages 6 to 18 have access to all the services needed 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. Some insurance plans offer coverage for medical transportation to and from the program. The team will review available transportation options and help coordinate services if needed. 

Learn more about the services we provide Link out to services page 

Contact the Medical Day Treatment Program 

For more information, or if you are a doctor seeking to make a referral, please call 720-777-2900.