Homeless Program Policy and Compliance A Resource for Operators

Goal: To ensure streamlined access for all students requiring Special Programs ESL HomelessMigrant SpEd* Enrollment and Registration

Homeless Students: How do I determine if a student is Homeless? Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence What am I required to do under Federal Guidelines? Ensure immediate enrollment with (or without) all ‘required’ documentation – this includes address verification paperwork, immunization records, etc. Ensure students identified as Homeless receive: Free lunch from day one of attendance Assistance getting school supplies, uniforms, and immunization records Fee Waivers Assistance with community family services (when needed) Post Students’ and Parents’ Rights posters in a public area Reporting Requirements Keep all student information updated in EIS and the ASD will handle district-level reporting for all Homeless Students Title X, §722[(e)(1), f, g(3)(a)],(g)(C) (2)(A B) 1111,1113, 1031 of NCLB

Homeless Students…possible living scenarios: Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings Living in emergency or transitional shelters Migratory children living in the circumstances already described Abandoned in hospitals Unaccompanied youth living in the circumstances already described Awaiting foster care placement

Homeless/Title X Compliance: Compliance BasicsSchool ApplicationRequired Documentation Policies/procedures ensure that academic needs are analyzed, utilized, and plans are executed Strategically plan/execute data-driven discussions Meeting agendas/minutes, data disaggregation reports, intervention plans Reducing barriers-successful enrollment and attendance Ensure potentially homeless families can register even without immediate records Staff training documents from registration, school immunization reports, Provide transportation Ensure families have access to transportation to school Bus rosters, Title I budgets (if applicable) Identify/afford equal access to appropriate secondary education and support services including preschool programs Ensure homeless parents have access to screening and application for Pre K Pre K Applications, Staff training documents, Pre K rosters Before/after-school programs to improve academic performance Ensure homeless students have access to tutoring Intervention lists The school does not isolate or stigmatize Ensure student/parent confidentiality FERPA compliance, Confidentiality agreements, policies Implement a dispute resolution process Have a process in place for parents and students Parents’ & Students’ Rights posters visible, school policy Title X, §722[(e)(1), f, g(3)(a)],(g)(C) (2)(A B) 1111,1113, 1031 of NCLB

Contact: Dr. Luanne Sailors Special Populations Information Manager