Candidate Criteria for Nan Songer Award:

• Must be a dues-paying Professional Member of HEAL Association
• Practice: Demonstrates excellence in the delivery of school intervention, liaison and re-entry services, and/or educational supports for students with medical and/or mental health needs.
• Teamwork: Is an active member of professional teams (i.e., interdisciplinary at hospital, committee work within HEAL (or formerly APHOES/AECMN) providing consultation and support.)
• Resourcefulness:Continuously strives to broaden knowledge of available resources in both the patient care setting and the educational system, as well as at the community, state, and national level.
• Innovation:Develops programs which are helpful to patients, parents, and staff in the pediatric setting, as well as the educators and schools that serve them (NOTE: Nan Songer nominees must deliver school intervention/re-entry/liaison services.)
• Advocacy:Develops, supports, and promotes policies and programs which benefit patients, families, and hospital and school staff.

Candidate Criteria for Apple Award:

• Must be a dues-paying Professional Member of HEAL Association
• Practice: Demonstrates excellence in the delivery of curriculum and instruction for students with medical and/or mental health needs.
• Teamwork: Is an active member of professional teams (i.e., interdisciplinary at hospital, committee work within HEAL (or formerly APHOES/AECMN) providing consultation and support.)
• Resourcefulness:Continuously strives to broaden knowledge of available resources in both the patient care setting and the educational system, as well as at the community, state, and national level.
• Innovation:Develops programs which are helpful to patients, parents, and staff in the pediatric setting, as well as the educators and schools that serve them (NOTE: Apple Award nominees must deliver curriculum/instructional services as a hospital/homebound teacher.)
• Advocacy:Develops, supports, and promotes policies and programs which benefit patients, families, and hospital and school staff.

Candidate Criteria for Bridge Award:

• A community group or individual whose work reflects the mission of HEAL by supporting the educational success of children with medical or mental health needs.  HEAL membership not required for this award.
• Practice:Provides for the educational needs of patients and families in an exceptional manner.
• Collaboration:Provides supports or resources that bridge the gap between hospital, school, and home.
• Resourcefulness:Continuously strives to broaden knowledge of available resources in both the patient care setting and the educational system, as well as at the community, state, and national level.
• Innovation:Develops programs which are helpful to patients, parents, and staff in the pediatric setting, as well as the educators and schools that serve them.
• Advocacy:Develops, supports, and promotes policies and programs which benefit patients, families, and hospital and school staff.