MMSD Transition Education Program October 2016 Homeless Services Consortium

Introductions MMSD Transition Education Program Jani Koester: 4K, Summer School, Outreach, Shelters, East Elementary and a few others…. Amy Noble: West Elementary, Middle and High School Support

US Dept. Ed. EHCY Program Data 2013 – 2014 1,301,239 students in the U.S. identified as homeless Most families in Madison Schools are doubled up, consistent with these national statistics.

MMSD: Unduplicated count of students identified as homeless 2015/16: 1 out of 20 students were identified as experiencing homeless in Madison schools. Final column is from Sept 1, 2016 thru October 4, 2016 only

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Law is designed to: provide equal access to educational services reduce barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic achievement Abbie – 9:20 ABBIE – 9:20 This law is not for the school districts it is for the families. 6 6

McKinney Vento Key Elements Designate homeless liaison in every school district Definition of homelessness Rights of homeless youth and families Public awareness and collaboration For more info: McKinney Vento At A Glance

Definition: Who is covered? Children and unaccompanied youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence— Living in emergency or transitional shelters Living in motels, camp grounds, due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live (cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus stations, etc.) Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason (“doubled up” or “couch surfing”) Migratory children and unaccompanied youth living in above situations

US Dept. Ed. EHCY Program Data 2013 – 2014 1,301,239 students in the U.S. identified as homeless Most families in Madison Schools are doubled up, consistent with these national statistics.

Key McKinney Vento Rights for HSC Right to attend school of origin or school of residence Right to immediate enrollment without documents To enroll is defined as “attending classes and participating fully in school activities” provide supplies, waive fees, FRL and connect to programming Right to transportation to school of origin, if feasible

Unaccompanied Youth Under McKinney Vento, in ADDITION to being homeless, a student may ALSO be unaccompanied Unaccompanied youth are defined as a youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian No age limits/restrictions on school-aged children No citizenship requirement Additional focus FAFSA SPED Surrogate Parent Excuse absences Amy – 9:35 11

MMSD Transition Education Program (TEP) Implement McKinney Vento in MMSD Training, school support, advocacy, resource development, crisis support, staff development, community education, coordination with community partners and districts, meeting basic needs (school supplies, food, hygiene, winter gear), transportation, and more Homeless Education Network Goal: Reduce barriers so that children who are experiencing homelessness have a full and equal opportunity to achieve

Our TEP Point of Contact (POC) system: Every MMSD school has a McKinney Vento trained point of contact (POC) Social worker- they provide building level coordination for students experiencing homelessness Directory of MMSD School Social Workers Psychologist is back up Or, call the Transition Education Program 204-2272

MMSD Contacts Jani Koester - 4K, EC, Shelters, Outreach, Summer school, Eastside Elementary 608-204-2063 jkoester@madison.k12.wi.us Amy Noble - Middle School, High School, Westside Elementary 608-204-6826 anoble@madison.k12.wi.us Jennifer Waldner, MMSD Homeless Liaison 608-663-5200 jmwaldner@madison.k12.wi.us