The Office of the State Superintendent of Education Homeless Education Program

STATISTICS Every time a child has to change schools, his or her education is disrupted. According to some estimates, 3-6 months of education are lost with every move. (National Coalition for the Homeless) 1 in 30 students in the District of Columbia are living in a homeless situation. Approximately 75% of those students are “doubled-up” with others. Disproving the myth that most homeless families live in shelters. 2

ROLE OF OSSE The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has the statutory responsibility to assure that all school-aged children, residing in the District of Columbia, receive an appropriate education. 3

PURPOSE OF THE MKV PROGRAM The McKinney-Vento program is designed to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. 4

Eligibility—Who is Covered? Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence—Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence— –Sharing the housing of others (Doubled-Up) –Living in emergency or transitional shelters –Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds –Abandoned in hospitals –Awaiting foster care placement –Living in public places –Living in cars –Migratory children living in above circumstances –Unaccompanied Youth living in above circumstances 5

Barriers to Education for Homeless Children and Youth Enrollment requirements (school records, immunizations, proof of residence and guardianship)Enrollment requirements (school records, immunizations, proof of residence and guardianship) High mobility resulting in lack of school stability and educational continuityHigh mobility resulting in lack of school stability and educational continuity Lack of access to programsLack of access to programs Lack of transportationLack of transportation Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc.Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Poor health, fatigue, hungerPoor health, fatigue, hunger Prejudice and misunderstandingPrejudice and misunderstanding 6

Local Homeless Education Liaisons Every LEA, whether or not it receives a McKinney-Vento sub grant, must designate a local liaison for homeless children and youth. 7

Local Homeless Education Liaisons ResponsibilitiesResponsibilities –Identify Eligible Students –Ensure that homeless students enroll in and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in school –Link with educational services, including Special Education, preschool and health services –Provide uniforms, school supplies, transportation assistance, and other related services –Keep students in their school of origin when feasible 8

Higher Education: College Cost Reduction and Access Act Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY) can now access college without parental income information UHY must receive verification from one of the following: - a MKV school liaison (can only verify current public school students or recent HS graduates) - a HUD homeless assistance program director or their designee - a Runaway and Homeless Youth Act program director or their designee - a Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) 9

What is OSSE doing? Monitor schools for compliance under MKV Work with government agencies, faith-based organizations, and community-based organizations that serve homeless families Provide resources and training to parents about rights under MKV Work directly with the Virginia Williams Family Resource Center to identify homeless families immediately, and provide services without delay Distribute the MKV federal grant to schools on a competitive basis Provides verification forms for unaccompanied homeless youth to attend college, with a referral from the school liaison Funding for college through the DC Tuition Assistance Grant program for homeless students 10

Sources/Resources LEGISLATION: GUIDANCE: OSSE WEBSITE: The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth: NAEHCY Higher Education: resources/helplinehttp:// resources/helpline National Association for College Admission Counseling:

Contact Information: Sheryl Hamilton Director of Programs Ja’Sent Brown Program Manager First Street, N.E., 8 th Floor Washington D.C

Questions 13