Pre-K, Head Start and Homeless Education David Ray Region 10 ESC

Non-Agenda We will not spend anytime discussing the ethical pro’s and con’s with regards to providing services to people experiencing homelessness.

Agenda Looking at the problem What is Pre-K? What is Head Start? What does M-V say? School of Origin Transportation Nutrition Services

Looking at the Problem Over 50% of children living in federally-funded homeless shelters are under the age of 5. These students are at-risk because of: Lack of prenatal and early health care Crowded and unsanitary living conditions Environmental contaminants such as lead Severe Poverty Overall instability

Looking at the problem Other barriers include: Lack of documentation High Mobility Lack of transportation Lack of awareness Students in homeless situations are twice as likely to have a disability

What is Pre-K Eligibility requirements School districts must offer a half‐day prekindergarten program if at least 15 eligible four‐year‐old children are identified ½ day education based program Average Daily Attendance determines funding (FSP) TEKS based Curriculum Certified teachers, with bachelor’s degrees No limit on class size or teacher/student ratio No Waitlists

Pre-K Eligibility Requirements Unable to speak and comprehend the English language; Economically disadvantaged (qualifies for free or reduced lunches); Homeless; The child of an active duty member of the armed forces, including state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty (must be on active duty the first day of school); The child of a member of the armed forces, including state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty; or The child is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adverse hearing. This also includes children who have been adopted or returned to their parents.

Other Types of Pre-K Tuition based Pre-K Community funded Pre-K Districts may choose to also serve students that are 3 years old

What is Head Start Federal Program from US Health and Human Services Full day program Comprehensive Early Childhood Education Health, Nutrition and Parent Involvement Eligibility is largely income based; however, homelessness is a qualifier Most programs have waitlists Students are given priority enrollment based on weighted scores

What is Head Start Early Learning Screenings and follow-up for health, development, and behavior Health and safety Social and emotional development Nutrition Family goal-setting Social services Transition services Services for children with disabilities

What is Head Start? Children and families experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible for Head Start and for Early Head Start They do not need to provide proof of income to qualify The Head Start Act contains the same definition of homelessness as included in the education subtitle of the McKinney-Vento Act

What does M-V say? ii) homeless families, children, and youths receive educational services for which such families, children, and youths are eligible, including Head Start and Even Start programs and preschool programs administered by the local educational agency, and referrals to healthcare services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services; In other words: States must ensure that homeless children have equal access to the same public pre-school programs, administered by the State agency.

School of Origin There is no school of origin provision for students under the compulsory age of attendance

Transportation Transportation services would occur as a comparable service Remember- there is no school of origin provision

Nutrition Services Students in Pre-K and Head Start are automatically eligible for free breakfast/lunch programs May need to make considerations for half-day programs

Increasing Awareness Coordinate with the city or county to host a resource fair Free Posters and Brochures are available Homeless Liaisons should develop relationships with: Shelter Personnel Head Start and Early Head Start Programs School based Pre-K programs Food and Clothing Banks Other service providers

Questions? Questions can be typed into the question box.