Frequently Asked Questions
For Parents
Am I allowed to watch the class along with my child?
Yes. However, please don't talk to other parents about what you see in the class or comment on the teacher’s classroom management or teaching ability to other persons. This is a privilege for your child and we don't want to jeopardize it.
Do you provide internet?
Hopecam can provide an internet connection to a qualified child if they don't currently have access in their home. Hopecam will only provide the internet connection until the child completes treatment or returns to school full-time (whichever comes first).
Does my child get to keep the Hopecam tablet?
Yes. If your child is eligible to receive a Hopecam tablet it is their gift to keep.
Does my child qualify?
To Qualify for a Hopecam Connection, a child must:
Be in grades Pre-K* through 12
Be undergoing active treatment for cancer
*Pre-K children must be eligible to attend kindergarten the following school year
Does the school have to use Hopecam?
No, schools are not required to participate in the Hopecam program. Hopecam is a voluntary program that schools choose to participate in because of the great benefit it brings to the child in treatment for cancer and his/her classmates.
How can we help fundraise for Hopecam?
We are a small, grassroots organization and we rely on generous donors and sponsors to fund our program and keep Hopecam free for participants. Schools and families can help by hosting fundraisers, donating proceeds from sport events, being sponsored for a race by family and friends, and asking friends to donate directly. There are lots of creative ways to raise money for nonprofits and we hope you will consider supporting Hopecam.
How long will it take to set up Hopecam?
The timeline varies. Usually, the child can be set up with their tablet, the video conferencing application and internet in less than 2 weeks. Connecting with the schools can take from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the school’s schedule, their response to having Hopecam in their school, the ease with which we can get in touch with them and a few other factors. Sometimes they will require permission slips be distributed to other kids in the class before a connection is allowed to occur.
How often do we connect?
The amount of time spent connecting varies for each child and school. How you connect, when and how long a session lasts depends on a number of variables, including the child’s age, school schedule, treatment schedule, and agreement with the school and teacher. Connections can occur individually between the child and one student, a few students, or as a full class. Connections can consist of a 5-minute check in or a 1-hour class period. As always, start small and expand from there.
What do you mean by "connecting?"
For Hopecam, connecting is when a child virtually interacts with their friends, family and classmates over the internet using a video conferencing program. Our goal is to connect each homebound child with their classmates for social purposes.
What does Hopecam cost?
For you, nothing. Hopecam will provide all the necessary equipment that the child does not already have, as well as equipment for the school.
What type of equipment do you provide?
We provide Amazon Fire Tablets for children who qualify for our program and Logitech web cameras for schools.
For Referral Agencies
Can the child connect in the hospital?
Yes, if the hospital unit has a wireless network. Hopecam tablets are wireless capable.
What if the hospital unit does not have wireless internet?
We will do our best to work with you to see if we can establish a wireless connection at your child's hospital.