Overview of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Presented by: Jackie Taylor Homeless Education Liaison Click mouse or hit “Enter” key to advance presentation

NCHE NAEHCY How many children and youth experience homelessness? 10% of all children living in poverty10% of all children living in poverty 1.35 million children1.35 million children Over 40% of all children who are homeless are under the age of 5Over 40% of all children who are homeless are under the age of 5 Last year, 641 students in Dalton Public Schools experienced homelessnessLast year, 641 students in Dalton Public Schools experienced homelessness

NCHE NAEHCY DOE’s Definition of Homelessness Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence—Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence— Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasonSharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodationsLiving in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations Living in emergency or transitional sheltersLiving in emergency or transitional shelters Abandoned in hospitalsAbandoned in hospitals

NCHE NAEHCY Awaiting foster care placementAwaiting foster care placement Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to liveLiving in a public or private place not designed for humans to live Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc.Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc. Migratory children living in above circumstancesMigratory children living in above circumstances Definition (cont.)

NCHE NAEHCY Causes of Homelessness Lack of affordable housingLack of affordable housing Deep povertyDeep poverty Health problemsHealth problems Domestic violenceDomestic violence Natural and other disastersNatural and other disasters Abuse/neglect (unaccompanied youth)Abuse/neglect (unaccompanied youth)

NCHE NAEHCY Barriers to Education for Homeless Children and Youth Enrollment requirements (school records, immunizations, proof of residence and guardianship)Enrollment requirements (school records, immunizations, proof of residence and guardianship) High mobility resulting in lack of school stability and educational continuityHigh mobility resulting in lack of school stability and educational continuity Lack of access to programsLack of access to programs Lack of transportationLack of transportation Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc.Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Poor health, fatigue, hungerPoor health, fatigue, hunger Prejudice and misunderstandingPrejudice and misunderstanding

NCHE NAEHCY McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Reauthorized 2002 by NCLBReauthorized 2002 by NCLB Main themes:Main themes: School stabilitySchool stability School accessSchool access Support for academic successSupport for academic success Child-centered, best interest decision makingChild-centered, best interest decision making

NCHE NAEHCY Research on School Mobility Students who switch schools frequently score lower on standardized tests; study found mobile students scored 20 points lower than non-mobile studentsStudents who switch schools frequently score lower on standardized tests; study found mobile students scored 20 points lower than non-mobile students Mobility also hurts non-mobile students; study found average test scores for non-mobile students were significantly lower in high schools with high student mobility ratesMobility also hurts non-mobile students; study found average test scores for non-mobile students were significantly lower in high schools with high student mobility rates It takes children an average of 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schoolsIt takes children an average of 4-6 months to recover academically after changing schools

NCHE NAEHCY Students suffer psychologically, socially, and academically from mobility; mobile students are less likely to participate in extracurricular activities and more likely to act out or get into troubleStudents suffer psychologically, socially, and academically from mobility; mobile students are less likely to participate in extracurricular activities and more likely to act out or get into trouble Mobility during high school greatly diminishes the likelihood of graduation; study found students who changed high schools even once were less than half as likely as stable students to graduate, even controlling for other factorsMobility during high school greatly diminishes the likelihood of graduation; study found students who changed high schools even once were less than half as likely as stable students to graduate, even controlling for other factors Research on School Mobility (cont.)

NCHE NAEHCY Local Homeless Education Liaisons Every school system in the country must designate a liaison for students in homeless situationsEvery school system in the country must designate a liaison for students in homeless situations ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities Ensure that children and youth in homeless situations are identifiedEnsure that children and youth in homeless situations are identified Ensure that homeless students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in schoolEnsure that homeless students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school Link with educational services, including preschool and health servicesLink with educational services, including preschool and health services Your homeless education liaison isYour homeless education liaison is Jackie Taylor (706) Jackie Taylor (706)

McKinney-Vento Grant $$$ Dalton Public Schools has been awarded federal grant money to identify and serve homeless students. This money is to be used for School Supplies, Clothing, Tutoring, After School and Summer Programs, Transportation, and to assist with School Related Fees and more. NCHE NAEHCY

Where do you fit in? NCHE NAEHCY Listen to your students when they talk about what is going on at home. Alert the Homeless Liaison when you suspect a student might be in a homeless situation. Check Infinite Campus to see which of your student are homeless and alert the Homeless Liasion of needed services, including tutoring, supplies, clothing, etc. Maintain contact with your school social worker when you have students who are living in poverty or unstable situations. Never be afraid to ASK!

NCHE NAEHCY What We’re All About “…Through it all, school is probably the only thing that has kept me going. I know that every day that I walk in those doors, I can stop thinking about my problems for the next six hours and concentrate on what is most important to me. Without the support of my school system, I would not be as well off as I am today. School keeps me motivated to move on, and encourages me to find a better life for myself.” Carrie Arnold, LeTendre Scholar, 2002