 Federal Law, passed in 1987  Main themes:  School stability  School access  Support for academic success  Child-centered, best interest based decision making  Protects the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness

Individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate night time residence Fixed : permanent, not subject to change Regular : used on a routine, consistent basis Adequate : meets the physical & emotional needs typically met in home environments

 Shared housing (due to economic hardship)  Hotel/Motel  Cars, parks, campground, barns and sheds  Homeless shelter or transitional housing

 Migrant children who live in situations such as those previously described  Unaccompanied youth Youth not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian. (Runaways, kicked out of home, abandoned, couch-surfing) Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, examining the living arrangement of each individual student.

In Centennial reported 323 homeless students… up from 277 reported in … an increase of 46 students

 Identify homeless students  Immediate enrollment and placement  Remove barriers to full participation in school (transportation, free-meals, tutoring, waived fees, etc.)  Keep all information confidential  Track and report data to ODE

 Changing schools frequently  Transportation/attendance problems  Consistent lack preparation for school  Embarrassment when asked about current address  Mention of staying with grandparents, friends, motel, etc.

 Complete McKinney Vento Referral & send to Lori Palmiter at DO, give a copy to school counselor  Enroll student immediately – immunization record, proof of residence and birth certificate – not required.  Track attendance and notify school counselor with any new concerns

 School staff should complete the referral – not the parent or student.  Ask specific questions about services needed – do they need transportation assistance?  Ask about siblings in other buildings – do they also need services?  Send referral to District Office only after student is registered and in Synergy.  For returning homeless students – a new referral is required every school year.

Lori Palmiter