McKinney-Vento Key Provisions Madison Metropolitan School District Transition Education Program (TEP)

2 Why are we all here?  Students who are homeless may be a very high need population  School staff play a VITAL role Many of our roles overlap, but just an example...  Administration – support for students, staff & families  Food Service – providing students free lunch immediately  Guidance – scheduling, credits, transition  Psychologist – mental/emotional health  PST – special needs and other circumstances  RN - frequent medical concerns  Social Work – poverty, abuse, attendance  Teacher – assessment and instruction These kids need us all!!

3 Please keep in mind...  Homelessness can be an emotional issue that is not always cut and dry  This presentation is not all inclusive, it is a basic review of information  Please contact TEP if you have questions after reviewing this presentation

4 MMSD Board Policy  MMSD Board Policy is aligned with Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act  MMSD Board Policy  Revisions to 4406, Summer Revised%20Appx%20LLL-2-9.pdf Revised%20Appx%20LLL-2-9.pdf

5 What is McKinney-Vento?  Federal Law reauthorized with No Child Left Behind  Protect the rights of students who are homeless  Law is designed to: provide full & equal opportunity to succeed in school reduce barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic achievement

6 Definitions  Individuals who lack fixed, regular & adequate nighttime residence to qualify, a student needs to lack only one criteria  INCLUDES, but not limited to: sharing housing due to economic hardship motels, cars, parks, camp grounds, public spaces, sub- standard housing, awaiting foster care, emergency shelters, and transitional housing programs migratory children who qualify due to above circumstances unaccompanied youth who qualify due to above circumstances

7 Enrollment  “Enroll” is defined as: Attending classes and fully participating in activities  Immediate enrollment----no delays  Documentation is not required to enroll  Schools are required to obtain records  Create no barriers to enrollment

8 Unaccompanied Youth  Student who is not in physical custody of parent or legal guardian  Must meet definition of homeless  No defined age restrictions  Usually arises from crisis situation  Enroll immediately, assist with educational guardian process after enrollment  Cannot require legal guardianship

9 Transportation  At parent request, comparable transportation Elementary typically shuttle or route bus  Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances  May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride Middle & High typically Metro bus pass  Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances  May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride  To and from school of origin  If out of district, districts share costs  Extent feasible  Best interests of child

10 School Selection  Best interests of the student  School of Origin school attended by student when permanently housed school student was last enrolled in OR  School of Residence school that children who live in that neighborhood attend  Some exceptions may occur Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances

11 School Selection  Student may stay in school of origin the entire duration of homelessness  Options if permanent housing is found: Stay in school of origin until the end of school year in which they became homeless  Transportation becomes family’s responsibility Complete internal transfer form to attend school of origin the next year  Transportation becomes family’s responsibility Transfer to school of residence

12 Transportation  Elementary students travel via route or shuttle bus, typically  Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances  May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride  Middle and High students travel via Metro bus pass, typically  Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances  May be able to offer gas vouchers or other ride There may be some exceptions  Please call TEP if there are unusual circumstances

13 Dispute Resolution  If disputes arise: Enroll student to parent chosen school immediately Parent receives written explanation of decision Referral to MMSD homeless liaison to grieve  Nancy Yoder, MMSD homeless liaison

14 Liaisons  MMSD Homeless Liaison Nancy Yoder  TEP contacts Amy Noble Jani Koester Shannon Stevens Every district must designate a liaison

15 TEP Staff Roles TEP Staff MMSD SchoolsDPI Community Agencies Other DistrictsShelters Professional Development

16 TEP Services  Enrollment  Advocacy  Referral  Community contact  Family/School support  Consultation  Transition assistance  Professional Development

17 Homeless Information  frequently asked questions  zation.pdf zation.pdf McKinney Vento Summary  National Center for Homeless Education  National Assn. for Education of Homeless Children & Youth  DPI website on issues of homelessness