Guidelines for Students Identified as Homeless Baldwin County Public Schools 2018-2019 Updated

Just a Few Facts from The National Center on Family Homelessness Number of homeless students enrolled for 2014-2015: 1,263,323. Kindergarten through 3rd grade have the most reported children. 42% of children in homeless families are under age six. In any given day, researchers estimate that more than 200,000 children have no place to live. By age twelve, 83% of homeless children had been exposed to at least one serious violent event. Four times more likely to show delayed development. 30.1% of homeless children scored proficient scores on reading assessments. 24.7% of homeless scored proficient on math assessments. Twice as likely to have learning disabilities as non-homeless children. Children experiencing homelessness are sick four times more often than other children. Children experiencing homelessness have three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems compared to non-homeless children. A youth who experiences homelessness is 87% more likely to drop out of school.

Comparison to Baldwin

Comparison #2 to Baldwin

What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is Title X, Part C, of the No Child Left Behind Act. This legislation ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to an appropriate public education and that they experience success in school. The “Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015,” (ESSA), strengthens and improves these programs and the education of over 1.3 million children and youth experiencing homelessness, from early childhood through high school graduation.

Guarantees of McKinney-Vento Act Attendance and Success Students with appropriate support are more likely to attend school on a regular basis. Attendance is critical for school success is to be realized. Students experiencing homelessness must receive services comparable to those of housed students. Transportation to the school of origin must be provided, when appropriate. Social service agencies and school districts must work together to serve students. Be fully informed of available enrollment options and educational opportunities. Schools must provide written explanations of placement decisions and the enrollment dispute process. Separate schools or programs for children and youth experiencing homelessness are prohibited, with the exception of several programs specifically named in the McKinney- Vento Act. Enrollment Immediate May stay in their school of origin Unaccompanied youth must be provided educational access

Who is considered homeless? Children and youth 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. Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, cars, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, camping grounds or similar settings due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations. Living emergency or transitional shelters. Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

Causes of Homelessness Lack of affordable housing. Poverty. Increase in low v. middle wage employment. Health problems. Lack of health insurance. Addiction disorders, Mental health. Domestic violence. Natural and other disasters. Abuse/neglect/family dysfunction (unaccompanied youth).

Barriers to Education for Homeless Children and Youth Stereotypes and lack of awareness. Under-identification. High mobility resulting in lack of school stability and educational continuity. Enrollment requirements (school records, health records, proof of residence, guardianship). Poor health, fatigue, hunger. Emotional trauma, depression, anxiety. Lack of transportation. Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc.

Possible Ways to Identify a Student Experiencing Homelessness Attendance at several schools More than one family at the same address Poor hygiene and grooming Hunger and hoarding food Vague when asked about proof of residency Backpacks stay extremely full Frequent or extended absences Some common statements used by homeless students/families may include: "We've moved a lot." "We're staying with relatives/friends while looking for a place." "We're going through a bad time right now."

What do we provide as a school system? The law states school systems must coordinate or provide: Transportation Free meals Uniforms Immunizations – Baldwin County Health Department Family services – Alta Point

What you can do: Be approachable Listen for hints from the student Listen to student conversations for hints Listen to parents: They may call to advise of long absences Explanations may not make sense

Reporting Talk to the student casually Ask if their family needs assistance Talk to your school counselor

Summary We can help break the cycle of poverty and homelessness… if we can keep the kids in school.