Homeless Education: Children and Youth in Transition Rights, Services and Procedures Handbook
Blaine County School District #61 118 West Bullion Street – Hailey, Idaho 83333 www.blaineschools.org Phone (208) 578-5000 – Fax (208) 578-5110 For an electron version of this handbook, please go to http://blaineschools.org – Student Services – Homeless Education link.
Revised July 2013
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was the first legislation by the United States to combat homelessness of children and youth. Since 1987, the Act works to: Define homelessness Ensure a free, appropriate public education and meaningful opportunities for children and youth experiencing homelessness to succeed in school Strive to eliminate barriers that delay or prevent access to public education so that students are able to participate fully in school activities, and have equal access to all educational programs and services for which they are eligible
BLAINE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY Policy Number 500.3 Adoption Date: 7/16/2013
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that all children and youth who are homeless receive a free appropriate public education and are given meaningful opportunities to succeed in our schools. Schools in the Blaine County School District will ensure that children and youth who are homeless are free from discrimination, segregation, and harassment. Information regarding this policy, including the educational rights of children and youth identified as homeless will be distributed to all students upon enrollment and once during the school year, provided to students who seek to withdraw from school, and posted in every school in the district, as well as other places where children, youth, and families who are homeless receive services, including family and youth shelters, motels, campgrounds, welfare departments, health departments, and other social service agencies. Definitions Children and youth experiencing homelessness means children and youth who are otherwise legally entitled to or eligible for a free public education, including preschool, and who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including: Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, campgrounds, or trailer parks due to a lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting placement in foster care. Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a private or public place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. Children and youth who are living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting. Migratory children and youth who are living in a situation described above. Revised July 2013
A child or youth will be considered to be homeless for as long as he or she is in a living situation described above. Unaccompanied youth means a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, Enroll and enrollment means attending school and participating fully in all school activities. Immediate means without delay. Parent means a person having legal or physical custody of a child or youth. School of origin means the school the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled. Local liaison is the staff person designated by our district and each district in state as the person responsible for carrying out the duties assigned to the local homeless education liaison by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Identification Children and youth identified as homeless in the district, both in and out of school will be identified. Data will be collected on the number of children and youth experiencing homelessness in the district; where they are living; their academic achievement (including state and local assessments); and the reasons for any enrollment delays, interruptions in their education, or school transfers. School Selection Each child and youth identified as homeless has the right to remain at his or her school of origin or to attend any school that houses students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living. Therefore, in selecting a school, children and youth who are homeless will remain at their schools of origin to the extent feasible, unless that is against the parent or youth’s wishes. Students may remain at their schools of origin the entire time they are homeless and until the end of any academic year in which they become permanently housed. The same applies if a child or youth loses his or her housing during the summer. Services that are required to be provided, including transportation to and from the school of origin and services under federal and other programs, will not be considered in determining feasibility. who meets the definition of homeless as defined above. The more general term youth also includes unaccompanied youth. Enrollment Enrollment may not be denied or delayed due to the lack of any document normally required for enrollment, including: Proof of residency. Revised July 2013
Transcripts/school records (The enrolling school must contact the student’s previous school to obtain school records. Initial placement of students whose records are not immediately available can be made based on the student’s age and information gathered from the student, parent, and previous schools or teachers.) Immunizations or immunization/health/medical/physical records (If necessary, the school must refer students to the local liaison to assist with obtaining immunizations and/or immunization and other medical records.) Proof of guardianship. Birth certificate. Unpaid school fees. Lack of clothing that conforms to dress code. Any factor related to the student’s living situation.
Unaccompanied youth must be enrolled immediately in school. They may either enroll themselves or be enrolled by a parent, non-parent caretaker, older sibling, or local liaison. Transportation Parents and unaccompanied youth will be informed of this right to transportation before they select a school for attendance. At a parent’s or unaccompanied youth’s request, transportation will be provided to and from the school of origin for a child or youth experiencing homelessness. Transportation will be provided for the entire time the child or youth has a right to attend that school, as defined above, including during pending disputes. It is this district’s policy that inter-district disputes will not result in a homeless student missing school. If such a dispute arises, the will arrange transportation and immediately bring the matter to the attention of the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. In addition to receiving transportation to and from the school of origin upon request, children and youth who are homeless will also be provided with other transportation services comparable to those offered to students who are not homeless. Services Children and youth experiencing homelessness will be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the selected school, including: Transportation. Title I, Part A services - Children and youth identified as homeless are automatically eligible for Title I, Part A services, regardless of what school they attend. Educational services for which the student meets eligibility criteria, including special education and related services and programs for English language learners. Vocational and technical education programs. Gifted and talented programs. Before- and after-school programs. Preschool – Blaine County School District will ensure that children identified as homeless receive priority enrollment in preschool programs operated by the district, including exempting homeless children form waiting lists. Homeless children with disabilities will be referred for preschool services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The local liaison will collaborate with Head Start Revised July 2013
and other preschool programs. Free meals - On the day a child or youth identified as homeless enrolls in school, the enrolling school must submit the student’s name to the Blaine County School District Food Service office for immediate processing.
When applying any district policy regarding tardiness or absences, any tardiness or absence related to a child or youth’s living situation will be excused. Disputes If a dispute arises over any issue covered in this policy, the child or youth experiencing homelessness will be admitted immediately to the school in which enrollment is sought pending final resolution of the dispute. The student will also have the rights of a student who is homeless to all appropriate educational services, transportation, free meals, and Title I, Part A, services while the dispute is pending. The school where the dispute arises will provide the parent or unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of its decision and the right to appeal and will refer the parent or youth to the local liaison immediately. The local liaison will ensure that the student is enrolled in the requested school and receiving other services to which he or she is entitled and will resolve the dispute as expeditiously as possible. The parent or unaccompanied youth will be given every opportunity to participate meaningfully in the resolution of the dispute. The local liaison will keep records of all disputes in order to determine whether particular issues or schools are repeatedly delaying or denying the enrollment of children and youth identified as homeless. The parent, unaccompanied youth, or school district may appeal the school district’s decision as provided in the state’s dispute resolution process. Training The local liaison will conduct training regarding Title X requirements and sensitivity/awareness activities for all Blaine County School District staff. Coordination The local liaison will coordinate with and seek support from the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, public and private service providers in the community, housing and placement agencies, the Blaine County School District transportation department, local liaisons in neighboring districts, and other organizations and agencies. Coordination will include conducting outreach and training to those agencies. Both public and private agencies will be encouraged to support the local liaison and our schools in implementing this policy. Legal References: Idaho Code 33-1404 McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, as amended, Title VII, Subtitle B; 42 U.S.C. 11431-11435 Title I, Part A, of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§6311 – 6315 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §§1400 et. seq. Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, 42 U.S.C. §§1751 et. seq. Revised July 2013
June 5, 1992 Policy of the Administration for Children and Families of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
DISTRICT HOMELESS LIAISON Within the Blaine County School District, there is a District Homeless Liaison who must ensure that: Children and youth in homeless situation are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies; Students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in, the schools within the district; Families, children, and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible including Head Start, Even Start, and preschool programs administered by the District and referrals to health, mental health, dental, and other appropriate services; Parents or guardians are informed of educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children; Public notice of the education rights of students in homeless situations is disseminated where children and youth receive services under the ACT; Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with the Enrollment Disputes section of the McKinney-Vento Act; and Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, including to the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing transportation services
SCHOOL HOMELESS LIAISON Each school within the Blaine County School District also has a School Homeless Liaison whose role includes: Comply with the district’s policies and procedures for providing educational services to students experiencing homelessness; Notify the district liaison if any policies or procedures present a barrier for students experiencing homelessness; Assist families experiencing homelessness when enrolling in school and accessing educational services; Inform parents or guardians of educational and related opportunities that are available to their children Facilitate transportation arrangements Provided training, at least annually, to school staff regarding educational needs of students experiencing homelessness, role of the liaison and legal responsibilities of the school; Assist in identifying the needs of the student experiencing homelessness and connect them with the appropriate services and resources.
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BLAINE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT PROCESSES IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS o
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Students experiencing homelessness are difficult to identify for many reasons, and as a result may go unnoticed by school personnel. Students or parents may not want to reveal their situation due to embarrassment, fear of losing their children, or fear of returning to unsafe environments. School personnel should avoid using the word ’homeless’ in initial contacts with families and students. For many people, the word ’homeless’ creates the stereotypical images of adults, not children or youth in classrooms. Initially, students experiencing homelessness may likely not be recognized until asked if they are or know students who are staying temporarily with another family, living in motels, campgrounds, in their car, etc. Therefore, the term “children and youth in transition” may be a more appropriate term that reflects the sensitive and individual nature of this situation. Once a student is made eligible for homeless/children and youth in transition services under the Homeless Assistance Act, they remain eligible for services for the remainder of the school year. Eligibility will need to be re-established at the beginning of subsequent school years. School secretaries will denote those students who qualify by marking the appropriate section in Skyward under the NCLB-2 tab.
For NEW ENROLLMENTS o Please note the Student Residency question which is located on the BCSD enrollment form. If the student/family checks the first box, (In a home you own or rent), continue with enrollment as usual. If the student/family checks the second box (Temporarily with another family) or the third box (Other) continue to enroll the student AND refer them to the School Homeless Liaison prior to them leaving the office, if possible. If the School Homeless Liaison is not available, inform them that the liaison will be in touch with them as soon as possible as the district has a responsibility to provide equal access to a free, appropriate education for their child. If the family has other children that will enroll within the Blaine County School District, the School Homeless Liaisons will coordinate the gathering of information and meeting schedules.
For STUDENTS ALREADY ENROLLED: o FACULTY/STAFF must become aware of common signs and know to whom to refer. Annual Staff In-service Resources on the district website o OFFICE STAFF will be aware of students who move frequently and may confer with the School Homeless Liaison for further direction. o SELF-IDENTIFICATION may occur as posters and/or brochures are displayed in each school and throughout the community.
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VERIFYING ELIGIBILITY OF STUDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
The School Homeless Liaison at each school will use the Verifying Homeless/Children and Youth Transition Eligibility form to help in determining if a student/family meets the federal definition of homeless. o Question 1 is to determine whether or not the student/family’s current living situation qualifies them as homeless. If one of the first four choices is checked, it will likely be an automatic qualifier but continue asking clarifying questions if you are uncertain. If either of the last two is checked, the questions under “Fixed”, “Regular” and “Adequate” should be used to determine if it fits the Homeless Assistance Act definition of homeless. Not all of the questions need to be asked, just what is necessary to determine if eligible or not. o Question 2 is to determine if the student is an unaccompanied youth. o The last section summarizes the eligibility If YES – the student/family is homeless is checked, complete the Identifying Services form to help determine which services the student/family may need. The Identifying Services form is kept in the student’s cumulative file. If No – the student/family does NOT meet the definition of homeless is checked proceed with enrollment as appropriate. Complete the Written Notification form and give a copy to the family/student. The original is kept in the student’s cumulative file. If the parent/guardian or student disagrees, consult with the District Homeless Liaison for verification. If the student/family does not meet the eligibility criteria for homelessness, Written Notification and the Dispute Resolution Process and Eligibility and/or School Placement Appeal Request form should be given to the student/family with a copy in the student’s cumulative file.
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IDENTIFYING SERVICES Identifying services is important to make sure we are addressing all of the student’s education needs. In determining the appropriate services, consider which barriers to education can be removed by applying the McKinney-Vento Act. The School Homeless Liaison will complete the Identifying Services Checklist with the assistance of the information listed below. SCHOOL PLACEMENT Students experiencing homelessness frequently move. Maintaining a stable school environment is critical to their success in school. Changing schools significantly impedes a student’s academic and social growth. It can take a highly mobile student four to six months to recover academically after changing schools. Highly mobile students have also been found to have lower test scores and overall academic performance than peers who do not change schools. To ensure this stability, school placement determinations must be made on the basis of the ‘best interest’ of the student experiencing homelessness and, to the extent feasible, remain in the school of origin unless doing so is contrary to the wishes of the parent/guardian or student, if an unaccompanied youth. Using this standard the district must:
Continue the student’s education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness/transition when a family becomes homeless between academic years or during the academic year; or for the remainder of the academic year if the student becomes permanently housed during an academic year; OR Enroll the student in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the student is actually living are eligible to attend.
To determine which option is in the best interest of the school:
Team meeting to include: principal/vice principal, social worker, student and/or parent/guardian, homeless liaison, and other individual(s) familiar with the student and his/her situation Complete School Selection Checklist form helps guide the decision making process. Complete the Written Notification of Eligibility and/or School Placement Decision if it is determined that it is in the student’s best interest to attend a school other than the school of origin or a school requested by the parent or guardian. o Copy of Dispute Resolution packet is provided to student and/or parent/guardian.
IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT
The Act states that students experiencing homelessness must be enrolled immediately, even if they do not have the required documents such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documents. The school selected on the basis of a ‘best interest determination’ must enroll the students, then contact the school last attended to obtain
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relevant academic or other records. Records should be accepted directly from the family or student if available and used to aid in enrollment and placement until records are obtained from the previous school. If immunizations or medical/immunization records are needed, the school nurse or social worker will assist in obtaining the immunizations or records. If there are other students in the family attending others schools, please notify the social worker at those schools to aid in the communication process.
CLOTHING/PERSONAL HYGIENE
If a student is lacking or is unable to pay for shoes or clothing for physical education, sports, weather appropriate clothing, personal garments or personal hygiene items, please notify the school social worker with obtaining such items for the student.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES OR FEES
Students experiencing homelessness are to have meaningful opportunities to succeed and participate fully in school activities and all educational programs and services. Therefore, they are not to be excluded from sports or elective classes due to an inability to pay. In addition, students experiencing homeless should be provided with the necessary school supplies to actively participate in their classes. All requests for school supplies or fees are to be completed by the School Homeless Liaison who will send the request to District Homeless Liaison.
FREE SCHOOL MEALS/FOOD
Students experiencing homelessness are to be expeditiously enrolled for free access to the National School Lunch and Breakfast program. Once a student/family is verified as homeless, a Free Meals Eligibility Documentation for Homeless Students form must be completed by the School Homeless Liaison even if the student/family is already receiving free school meals. One form is completed per family and should be completed by the liaison at the school that first identifies the student/family as homeless. If there are other students in the family, notify the liaison at those schools that the form has been completed. The Free Meals Eligibility Documentation for Homeless Students form is sent to the individual who manages the National School Lunch and Breakfast program at the District Office (Kandy Blackburn), who in turn will notify the family by letter when they have been approved for free meals. If a family self-identifies as homeless on a regular application, the District manager of the National School Lunch and Breakfast program will contact the School Homeless Liaison for verification. The Free Meals Eligibility Documentation for Homeless Students form must be received at the district office within 10 school days. A phone call by the School Homeless Liaison to the individual who manages the National School Lunch and Breakfast program at the District Office (Kandy Blackburn) once eligibility and verification are determined will allow for immediate access for free access to school meals.
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In addition to free school meals, resources for food needs through community resources may be made available.
HEALTH CARE
Students experiencing homelessness often do not receive medical attention on a regular basis, lack health care coverage, and/or the documentation to receive Medicaid. Home Liaisons should assist students/families with obtaining documentation and completing the application necessary for Medicaid or other health care coverage.
MENTAL HEALTH
When mental health issues arise due to homelessness and impede a student’s learning and ability to function appropriately in the school setting, the Homeless Liaison should assist the student in accessing mental health services.
ACADEMIC NEEDS
Students experiencing homelessness often fall behind due to a lack of adequate time, place/space for completing homework assignments. Therefore, every effort should be made to assist the student with credit recovery, tutoring, and homework assistance. In addition, evaluations for educational programs should be expedited to provide the student experiencing homelessness with the necessary services to be academically successful.
TRANSPORTATION
Lack of transportation was cited as the number one barrier that students experiencing homelessness face in attempting to enroll and attend school regularly. Under the Homeless Assistance Act, students experiencing homelessness are entitled to receive the services that are available to all students, including transportation. It is the Homeless Liaison’s responsibility to ensure that parents and/or guardians are aware of these rights. The district/school must ensure that transportation is provided, at the request of the parent or guardian (or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the liaison), to and/or from the school of origin if it is determined to be in the best interest of the student.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Whether the student/family is new to the area or a life-long resident, they may not be aware of all the available community resources. The school social worker is able to provide the student/family with further information.
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DISPUTE RESOLUTION If a dispute arises over eligibility for homeless services and/or school selection, the district/school must enroll the student experiencing homelessness in the school in which enrollment is sought by the parent or guardian, pending resolution of the dispute. It is critical that students not be kept out of school. Interruption in education can severely disrupt the student’s academic progress.
Families and students experiencing homelessness may be unaware of their right to challenge eligibility, placement and enrollment decisions. Therefore, the district/school must provide the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth with a written statement of the eligibility and/or school placement decision, the right to appeal, and the process in which to do so. Written notice protects both the student and school by outlining the specific reason(s) for the school’s decision. It facilitates dispute resolution by providing decision-makers with documents to guide their determination. DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS The process for dispute resolution may be found in the Dispute Resolution Process document.
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ANNUAL STAFF INSERVICE The school Homeless Liaison is responsible for providing, at least annually, in-service training to school staff on the Homeless Assistance Act, identification and eligibility, and available services for students experiencing homelessness. The PowerPoint presentation in this manual is also available on the District Website for easy access and use when providing in-service training to school staff.
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FORMS The following forms are available in this handbook or on-line. Verifying Homeless Eligibility Identifying Services Checklist Free Meal Eligibility Document School Selection checklist Written notification of Eligibility Dispute Resolution Process Understanding Homeless Education PowerPoint
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RESOURCES
NCHE - National Center for Homeless Education o http://serve.org/nche o Best practices, news briefs, webinars, free posters and literature
NAECHY - The National Association for the Education of Homeless children and Youth o www.naehcy.org o Legislation/policy, educational resources
Educating Children Without Housing – A Primer on Legal Requirements and Implementation Strategies for Educators, Advocates and Policymakers
Boise School District Homeless Education, Rights and Services Procedures Handbook
Idaho State Department of Education – Homeless Education website http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/homeless_edu/
THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE EDUCATION RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN HOMELESS SITUATIONS http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/homeless_edu/docs/resources/FrequentlyAskedQuestion_1120 09.pdf
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