McKinney – Vento Homeless Assistance Improvements Act Compliance Training for Administrators Subtitle B of Title VII Of The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as amended by The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002(Title X, Part C)

Overview  Homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act  Key Provisions of McKinney Project  Rights of Homeless Students & Their Families  What McKinney Does  Dispute Resolution Process Major Topics

Homelessness Defined Families or Unaccompanied Youth:  living in domestic violence shelters  living in emergency shelters  living in campsites, parks, bus or train stations  living in a car  living “doubled” up with another family  living in inadequate housing (lack of electricity or running water)  living in Transitional Housing Programs

Key Provisions of McKinney Project:  School Selection ( School Of Origin)  Enrollment disputes (Immediate Enrollment)  Academic Achievement Standards  Inter- & Intra-District Transportation  Equal Access to Programs  LEA Liaison Duties  Integration  Coordination and Collaboration  Retrieval of School Records

What does a Homeless Child look like in the U.S. ? Race 63% African American 13% Hispanic 16% Anglo Gender 53% Male 49% Female Median Age: 6.5 y.o.

Homeless Students in School  21% Transfer twice in one year  16% Transfer three or more times a year  Each transfer causes 3-6 months decrease in academic growth  Nine times more likely to repeat a grade  Three times as likely to be in Special Ed.  Incomplete testing data due to absences

Academic Issues Homeless Students Experience Early Childhood  Increased chronic health  problems  Developmental delays  Lower achievement progress  Emotional difficulties Elementary  No sense of belonging  No predictable structure to rely on  No personal space Middle and High School  Gaps in education  Lack of trust  Low scores on standardized tests  High absenteeism  Emotional/Social difficulties

Homeless Students have the Right to:  Attend school no matter where they live, regardless of proof of residency  Receive assistance enrolling and succeeding in school  Remaining in their School of Origin once becoming homeless  Transportation to their School of Origin

 Poor health and inadequate health care  Low grades or behind in grade level compared to peers  Attendance problem  Lack of focus  Anxiety, worry or depression  Delayed development  Emotional or Social deficiencies  Lack of sleep, food or clothing  Inability to finish assignments  Lack of books, supplies, transportation Warning Signs of Homelessness:

McKinney Project Family Liaison Duties:  Assist with Immediate enrollment  Transportation issues  School records, immunizations and birth certificates  Verify Proof of residency or guardianship  Assess Frequent mobility  Identify Attendance problems  Provide Access to Free Lunch  Ensure Equal access to programs and extra curricular activities

Enrollment Disputes  Admit child or youth immediately pending resolution of dispute  School must provide parent/ guardian or youth with written explanation of decision including statement of rights  Referral to liaison for dispute resolution  Liaison ensures student is immediately enrolled  THEO Hotline:

The McKinney Project Aims to Promote Educational Stability:  ONE School ONE Year  Removal of barriers that contribute to enrollment delays  Education of all school personnel on Homeless children rights.  Appropriate placement and educational support programs

Contact Information  Barbara Bading – Director  George Perez – Family Liaison  Chris Gloege – Family Liaison  Office Phone: (210)  Other Phone: (210) Homeless Education Liaison

Link to Poverty USA Presentation: