Guidelines for Students Identified as Homeless Baldwin County Public Schools 2019-2020 Updated

Just a Few Facts from The National Center on Family Homelessness In the 2016-17 school year, 1.4 million students (ages 6 to 18) experienced homelessness. 42% of children in homeless families are under age six. On a single night in 2018, an estimated 180,413 people in families, including children, experienced homelessness. Most students experiencing homelessness were doubling up with other families during the 2016-17 school year (75 percent), while others were in shelters (15 percent), hotels/motels (7 percent), or were unsheltered (4 percent). 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.

Additional Facts 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 Updated data should come

2019 Kids Count Data Alabama ranks #44 in Child Well-Being based on economics, education, health, and family and community (the lowest 18 ranked states call Appalachia, the South or the Southwest home - Mississippi, Louisiana and New Mexico at the bottom)

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 (if deemed in the best interest of the child) 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. Youth in homeless situations that are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

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 Inappropriate dress for the weather Hunger and hoarding food Sleeping in class 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 Ensure access to all appropriate instructional supports/resources

In the Classroom Teachers… Make the student feel welcome, recognizing that starting a new school can be stressful and intimidating under any circumstances Encourage supportive relationships. Assign a “peer buddy” to help the student get acquainted with the school and classroom. Establish consistent boundaries. Give the youth ownership of school space (locker, shelf in your room) Have High Expectations Recognize stressful environments outside of school and provide accommodations for homework. (the youth may not have the means to be able to make a collage or do a science project outside of school and/or may have a chaotic living situation not conducive to homework) Provide needed supplies Provide time and space in school Modify homework

What you can do if you suspect a child is homeless: 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 his/her family needs assistance Talk to your school counselor

Just remember… “What homeless children need most of all is a home. . . But while they are experiencing homelessness, what they need most is to remain in school. School is one of the few stable, secure places in the lives of homeless children and youth – a place where they can acquire the skills they need to help them escape poverty.” National Coalition for the Homeless

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

The gift EDUCATION; The gift of HOPE . . . Priceless