Homeless

Homeless

The term homeless children and youths means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

Homeless students are identified by enrollment forms, annual pre-registration forms, and through communication with outside agencies such as the Family Resource Center and the Division of Family Services.

The district's homeless coordinator is responsible for fulfilling job duties and duties of the federal statutes.
The homeless coordinator will ensure that:

  • homeless children and youths are identified by school personnel and through coordination of activities with other entities and agencies
  • homeless children and youths enroll in, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in, schools of that local educational agency
  • homeless families, children, and youths receive educational services for which they are eligible, including Head Start, and Even Start programs and preschool programs administered by the local educational agency, as well as referrals to health-care services, dental services, mental health services and other appropriate services
  • parents or guardians of homeless children and youths are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful ways to participate in the education of their children
  • public notices of the educational rights of homeless children and youths receive services under this act (schools, family shelters, soup kitchens, and other appropriate places)
  • enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with all guidelines set forth in the act
  • parents or guardians of homeless children or youths, and any unaccompanied youths, are fully informed of all transportation services (including transportation to the school of origin) as described in the act, and are assisted in accessing transportation to the school that is selected in accordance with the act

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in homeless situations have:

  • the right to immediate enrollment in school even if they lack the paperwork normally required for enrollment
  • the right to attend school at their school of origin (if feasible and requested by the parent) or at the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing
  • the right to receive transportation to the school of origin if requested by the parent

  • the right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates including transportation and supplemental educational services

  • the right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited

  • the right to have their rights posted in all schools and in other places in the community