What is the Ronald McDonald Learning Program?

The Ronald McDonald Learning Program is a national program of Ronald McDonald House Charities helping children with serious illness catch up on their missed education following lengthy hospital stays and absence from school.

The Learning Program is often the first step towards normalcy for seriously ill children and their families and sends a clear message that we believe in their future.

Why it's needed

Approximately 15% of children around Australia are affected by serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease and cystic fibrosis. We are fortunate to live in an age where more children are now long term survivors of serious illness thanks to advances in medical treatments.

However, each child's treatment varies, and the impact of hospitalisation, medications and lengthy convalescence means many children will fall behind in their education, often leaving a greater long-term impact than the illness. This can have a devastating effect on a child's future and life chances.

What it offers

The program is holistic and looks at all aspects of a child's learning by providing comprehensive assessment, therapy and tuition with qualified professionals. In addition to individual support for children the Learning Program has expanded to provide EDMed accredited professional development for teachers.

All services are provided free to families and schools thanks to the funding from generous supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Our history

In 1998 the Board of Ronald McDonald House Charities set about establishing the Ronald McDonald Learning Program to give children with serious illness a second chance in life through education. In 2004, we also developed an online program to assist isolated and house-bound students. More than 3,000 children have been supported by the Ronald McDonald Learning Program since its inception.