1. Educating Homeless Children By Ivon Hernandez

2. Definition of a Homeless Student A child who lacks a fixed, regular residence and lives in a place that would not be normal used for human beings. (Parks, Cars, under bridges,etc.)

3. Facts The number of homeless children in 2000 was 930,200 in the United States alone. It is estimated that 1.35 million children will experience homelessness over the course of a year. Preschool & elementary school age children are the largest numbers of kids experiencing homelessness.

4. The McKinney-Vento Act *First & only major federal legislative response to homelessness. *Established in early 1980s. *Provides states w/funding for homeless individuals. Used to provide services to students. *Requires schools districts to stabilize children in one school. *Requires that students can be enrolled in school immediately, no matter what the situation is. *Original amount Congress approved $70 million for 2003; amount really given: $50 million

5. What a homeless student feels Embarrassment Stress Anxiety Fear Depression Suicide

6. Barriers homeless children and teens face School enrollment Transportation Documents Embarrassment Unable to participate in federal & state programs School districts

7. Elementary aged students vs. Teens Who suffers more? Why? Teenagers account for 15 to 20 percent of the total homeless population. One Million children and teens become homeless each year in the United States.

8. What teachers need to do Reassurance Be understanding & patient Accommodate Be aware of their situation Communicate Don’t assume anything Be active Establish a relationship with the child Find a buddy Offer help Be caring & respectful

9. Current funding in Wisconsin During the 2005-06 granting cycles, the following ten (10) districts in Wisconsin were awarded McKinney-Vento grants totaling $690,740: That’s $69,074 for each district. Is this enough?

10. Discussion Questions Do you think homeless students should attend mainstreamed schools or special schools that only homeless students attend? Why or Why not? How would you approach a parent if you had concerns that a student was homeless?