Education of Homeless Children & Youth: McKinney-Vento 101 “If kids come from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job important.” --B. Coloroso

What is the McKinney-Vento Act? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act remains the only major federal legislative response to homelessness in the United States. In Arizona, the Office of Homeless Education’s mission is: To ensure that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate public education, comparable to that provided to the children of any Arizona resident and consistent with Arizona’s mandatory school attendance laws.

Homelessness in the united states People experiencing homelessness are not a stationary group; homelessness is a ‘revolving door phenomenon’. Homeless families are often hidden from our view. It is estimated that of the total number of homeless people in the United States, one quarter are children. The National Center for Homeless Education reported in 2014 that there are over 1 million homeless children in public schools.

What is a homeless student? A homeless child lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who are: sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship; living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; living in emergency or transitional shelters; living in cars, parks, public spaces abandoned building, substandard housing bus or train stations

Common Signs of Homelessness Be observant of: poor health/nutrition/hygiene transportation and attendance problems lack of continuity in education/not ready for class social and behavioral cues anger or embarrassment when asked about current living situation: “I don’t remember the name of my last school.” “We’ve been moving around a lot.” “Our address is new; I can’t remember it.” mentions staying with grandparents, other relatives, friends or motel

What does the McKinney-Vento Act do for children? McKinney-Vento establishes a liaison for homeless students who works to protect their best interest by ensuring that the child can: Immediately enroll -- documentation and immunization records cannot serve as a barrier Remain at the school of origin Remain enrolled until a permanent residence or a regular and fixed nighttime residence is found Receive transportation to and from the school of origin Participate in programs: National School Lunch, Title I, etc.

What SHOULD I do if I suspect that one of OUR students is homeless? If you have information or suspect that a student may be homeless, notify Kyrene’s Homeless Liaison at (480) 541-1523. Remember to maintain confidentiality and treat the family with respect!

THE Kyrene Family Resource Center The Family Resource Center provides basic resources (food, clothing, personal and school supplies) to families who are in need -- whether they are homeless or not. It is located at Kyrene de los Niños Elementary School Additional information is available at the Family Resource Center webpage: Family Resource Center