McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act What we need to know to show we care about every child. What we need to know to show we care about every child.

For many years, our image of a homeless person was that of a single, older man.

The Reality

As many as 190,000 Texas students experience homelessness during the year.

Why do people become homeless? Poverty Lack of affordable housing

Who is homeless? The Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless.

Who is homeless?

homeless?

homeless?

homeless? Families living in doubled-up situations because they have lost their housing

Who is Homeless...?

Who is homeless? Children and youth in temporary foster care while awaiting placement

What stressors do students in homeless situations experience?

Transient /unstable lifestyle Transient /unstable lifestyle

Living in crowded conditions Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions

Frequently changing schools Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools

Inadequate personal hygiene Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene

Shabby or unclean clothing Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing

Poor health / nutrition Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing Poor health / nutrition

Sporadic school enrollment Sporadic school attendance Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing Poor health / nutrition Sporadic school enrollment Sporadic school attendance

There is GREAT news!!

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools

The McKinney-Vento Act mandates that... every school district is required to have a homeless education liaison, and the liaison is required to perform specific tasks.

Homeless Liaison Campus Liaisons Everyone is aware of the liaison. The liaison has autonomy to make decisions.

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment

Identification Administer Student Residency Questionnaire to every student. Counselors are trained to identify students.

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation

Transportation * Develop a contract * Include important information * Pick-up & drop points and times * Bus driver’s contact info * Each party’s responsibilities * Signatures

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation Services

Placement Decisions Work with Title I, Special Ed., and other programs Set up systems for prompt placement in special programs

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation Services Free Lunch

Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation Services Dispute Resolution Free Lunch

Know Your School and Community Resources Needs Human Fiscal Physical

Outreach Efforts

What does this mean to SWISD? SWISD’s number of identified homeless children is increasing each day. These children are there on your campus, in your classroom, next to you.

What can/should you do? Remember F E R P A Heighten your awareness If you have a concern about a child alert your campus liaison. Talk with your campus liaison about how you may be able to assist the student with academic success during difficult and trying times.

Awareness *Staff training Visit sites where homeless students stay Acquaint yourself with Ruby Paine’s work on poverty.

Student Support Have a staff mentor for every student.

Student Support Watch for isolated, “loner” students Get them involved in music, sports, Academics,Chess Club, etc.

Parent Information Notify all parents upon enrollment that in certain instances, their children may be able to remain at their school all year -- be sure to ask before changing schools.

Know your campus McKinney Vento Liaison !

Southwest ISD District McKinney Vento Liaison Dr. J.L. Pitman