One Child One School One Year Education of Homeless Children & Youth McKinney-Vento 101 Tempe Union High School District

What do we know about homeless students? In one year, 42% transferred schools at least once and 51% transferred twice or more. Twenty-eight percent will attend three or more schools in one year. With each school change, it is estimated that a student is set back academically by an average of four to six months. Three quarters of older homeless youths drop out of school. * From the National Center for Homelessness Education

Who is considered homeless? Definition under the “Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act” says, “children and youth, who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are considered homeless for educational purposes.”

Who is considered homeless?  Sheltered- student living in temporary shelters, such as homeless shelter, domestic violence shelters, or transitional housing programs, or temporary foster care placements  Doubled Up – student temporarily sharing the housing of friends or relatives due to the loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason  Unsheltered – student living in abandoned buildings, campgrounds and vehicles, inadequate trailer parks, bus and train stations, substandard housing or abandoned in a hospital  Hotel/Motel – student temporarily living in a hotel or motel due to lack of alternate adequate accommodations

 Migratory or refugee children/youth – qualify if they are living in circumstances described above  Students awaiting or in temporary foster placement  Unaccompanied Youth – youth not in the physical custody of their parents or guardian Who is considered homeless?

Definitions  Fixed – one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change  Regular – one which is used on a regular (i.e. nightly) basis  Adequate – one that is sufficient for meeting the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments (electricity, running water, etc...)

Who is Eligible? Determination of eligibility MUST be made on a case-by-case basis  Housing is temporary and due to hardship OR  Housing is substandard or considered inadequate

Some causes of Homelessness….  Lack of affordable housing/Evictions  Low income/Unemployment/Lack of skills  Health & Mental Health Problems  Domestic Abuse & Violence  Lack of Safe & Stable Living Environment  Physical/Sexual Abuse by a Parent or a Guardian  Parent or Guardian Alcohol/Drug Addiction  Natural Disasters

Common Signs of Homelessness  Transportation and Attendance Problems  Erratic attendance or tardiness  Numerous absences  Inability to contact parents  Avoidance of participating in school activities  Lack of Continuity in Education  Enrollment at many different schools  Lack of records needed for enrollment (birth certification, immunization forms etc.)  Gaps in skill development

Common Signs of Homelessness  Poor Hygiene  Wearing same clothing for several days  Inability to shower or have clean clothing  Not Prepared for Class  Lack of basic school supplies  Incomplete homework or missing homework  Concern for safety of belongings  Inability to concentrate  Falling asleep in class  Frequent illnesses

OUR GOAL  To understand McKinney-Vento Act and make sure that our schools and district is in compliance.  Ensure the educational rights and protections for children and youth who are experiencing homelessness.

What is McKinney-Vento?  The McKinney-Vento Act – Federal law that seeks to ensure the enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youth in school.  McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001  Created in 1987 in response to reports to Congress that up to 50% of homeless children were not enrolled in and attending school.  Part of No Child Left Behind

School Support Services  Students experiencing homeless have the right to remain in their school of origin until the end of the academic year that they are permanently housed.  School of Origin: The term school of origin means the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled.  School of Residency The school designated for the attendance area in which the student currently resides.  Immediate enrollment – expedite and remove barriers to enrollment – (regardless of missing documentation, such as school records, medical records, proof of residency, or immunization records).

Support Services  Transportation - provided to & from the “school of origin” (District transportation, ex. school bus or van), City of Tempe Youth Passes (city bus and light rail), Mileage Reimbursement (up to 10 miles each way)  Provide Appropriate Support Services - including special education, free lunch, school supplies and educational materials, hygiene products, eye exams and glasses, clothing and shoes, referrals to community agencies (including emergency food box and food banks, housing, medical, dental and mental health, immunization referrals, assistance with birth certificates), help with payment of programs and school fees, referral and coordination with before and after school tutoring

Support Services  Promote district, school, and community awareness – district trainings and outreach services  Review and Revise Policies - that act as barriers to homeless students accessing education (e.g. residency, credit and absence policies)  Coordinate and Collaborate with state coordinator, state agencies, service providers, advocates and school personnel in district and other districts to carry out the above tasks

Why McKinney-Vento Student’s Need Services: “Research shows that frequent school changes have a cumulative affect on students achievement that can place them as much as a year behind their peers (Kerbow, 1996)”. Students who are highly mobile are also at a greater risk of:  Lower academic achievement (due to discontinuity of curriculum between schools)  Dropping out  Behavioral Problems  Difficulty developing peer relationships

What to do if you suspect that one of your students is homeless? Keep information confidential Treat student/family with respect Notify Tempe Union High School District Homeless Liaison Kay ext

Kay Nordmark, Homeless District Coordinator Ext 3859, Pam Kane, LMSW – McKinney-Vento Social Worker Ext 40054, Questions or Assistance

The Tempe Union High School District, by law, must provide proof that all employees have reviewed the preceding information. Please click on the following link to take a five (5) question quiz and check the Attestation box and the end of quiz. McKinney-Vento 101 Follow-Up Quiz and Attestation McKinney-Vento 101 Follow-Up