2017-2018 Grundy County In-service ENABLE GRUNDY 2017-2018 Grundy County In-service July 27, 2017

Students experiencing homelessness Tonya Garner Federal Programs Supervisor tgarner@grundyk12.com Office: (931)692-3467 x114

Agenda Introduction: Living in Transition Overview of McKinney-Vento Children & Youth in Transition National & state trends Responsibilities of District Liaisons Resources

Introduction: Living in Transition

Living in Transition What are the characteristics of a “typical” sheltered homeless family? What percentage of children in homeless families are under age six? What is the average age at which a teenager becomes homeless? What is TN’s state ranking on child homelessness?

“Homeless Children & Youth” Individuals who lack a fixed, regular,& adequate nighttime residence: Fixed: not subject to change, permanent, stationary Regular: consistent, routine, predictable, normal, standard Adequate: sufficient to meet physical & psychological needs Can the student go to the same place (fixed) every night (regular) to sleep in a safe & sufficient (adequate) space?

AND includes children & youth who are: sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; living in emergency or transitional shelters; abandoned in hospitals; or awaiting foster care placement;

AND includes children & youth who are: staying at a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, sub-standard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; migrants living in the conditions described above

Historical Perspective: National Trends

State Ranking on Child Homelessness

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act The mckinney vento homeless assistant act is the federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for children and youth. McKinney Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

Major Themes of McKinney-Vento Identification School stability, immediate enrollment, & access School of origin & transportation Enrollment documents not required (immunizations, etc.) Supports for academic success Child-centered decision making on case-by-case basis Critical role of the local homeless education liaisons Unique barriers

LEAs Must….. designate a local homeless liaison keep a homeless child or youth in the school of origin, to the extent feasible, (unless against wishes of the parent or guardian) make school placement decisions based on the student’s best interest provide a written explanation, including the right to appeal, to the parent or guardian or to an unaccompanied homeless youth, if the LEA sends the child to a school other than the one requested

LEAs Must….. ensure, in the case of an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY), that the liaison assists in placement or enrollment decisions & considers the views of the youth immediately enroll the child or youth, even without required records contact the school last attended for relevant records assist with obtaining immunizations or immunization records make records available in a timely fashion when the child or youth enrolls in a new school or LEA

LEAs Must….. enroll the child or youth in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending the resolution of the dispute refer the child, youth, parent, or guardian to the local liaison to carry out the dispute resolution process ensure liaisons assist UHY during the dispute process   provide services comparable to those received by non- homeless students coordinate with local social service & housing agencies

ENABLE Grundy Liaisons Coalmont Elementary : Bobbie Sue Fugate North Elementary : Jennifer Partin Palmer Elementary : Angie Mitchell Pelham Elementary : Holly Bryan Swiss Memorial Elementary : Tracy City Elementary: Liz Gudger Grundy County High School: TBD

Liaisons Ensure Homeless Children & Youth… are identified are enrolled & have a full, equal opportunity to succeed in school receive educational services for which they are eligible AND referrals to appropriate services; includes families and their parents/guardians are informed of the educational & related opportunities available to their children & are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in their education

Title I Homeless Set-aside Allowable* Transportation (school of origin) Clothing & shoes (PE, uniforms) School & test fees (IB, AP) School supplies Dental, medical, mental health services Enrollment items Food Staff serving homeless students Hygiene items * After exhausting all other resources. NOT Allowable Rent Utilities Clothing for parents Services or materials from other funds (supplanting) Programs or services required by state laws or policies

Resources U.S. Department of Education: McKinney-Vento http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/pg116.html ePlan https://eplan.tn.gov National Assoc. for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth http://www.naehcy.org/ National Center for Homeless Education http://center.serve.org/nche/ Liaison’s toolkit: http://center.serve.org/nche/pr/liaison_toolkit.php 1-800-308-2145; homeless@serve.org

Important Reminders DO DON’T Judge Violate FERPA Recognize many reasons for homelessness Respond & follow up quickly Be mindful of words, tone, & actions; be respectful Visit families & community partners DON’T Judge Violate FERPA Be afraid to say, “I’ll have to check on that.” Jeopardize living situations

Living in Transition: Answers A “typical” sheltered homeless family includes a mother in her late 20s with 2 children ___________of children in homeless families are under age six. more than 51% The average age at which a teenager becomes homeless is 14.7 years old Tennessee ranks ______for child homelessness (with #50 being the lowest). #41 Living in Transition: Answers

Questions

Tonya Garner Federal Programs Supervisor tgarner@grundyk12.com Office: (931)692-3467 x114 July 27, 2016