Presented by the Public Schools of Petoskey With thanks to NYS-TEACH, a Project of Advocates for Children funded by a grant from the New York State Education Dept. The Educational Rights of Students in Temporary Housing Public Schools of Petoskey

Segments in PowerPoint IntroductionGeneral Overview Resources Background Key Protections for Students Rights & Responsibilities School Selection Dispute Resolution Transportation Unaccompanied Youth Strategies & Resources Contact Information Public Schools of Petoskey

Research on Educational Outcomes Over 75% of homeless children read below grade level. 36% of homeless children repeat a grade (twice the rate of other children). Students with two or more school changes are half as likely to be proficient in reading as their peers. Public Schools of Petoskey

Barriers for Those in Temporarily Housing Enrollment requirements- Residency, school records, immunizations, legal guardianship, etc. High mobility- Lack of educational continuity Lack of access to programs Lack of transportation Lack of school supplies, clothing, etc. Poor health, fatigue, hunger, etc. Prejudice and misunderstanding Public Schools of Petoskey McKinney-Vento Attempts to Eliminate Them!

Protecting the Educational Rights of Youth Federal law: Enacted in 1987 & reauthorized in 2001 (NCLB) Main Themes: School Access School Stability Academic Success McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Public Schools of Petoskey

Who is Covered Under the McKinney-Vento Act? All students who lack a fixed, regular, & adequate night-time residence FIXED: A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change. REGULAR: A regular residence is one which is used on a predictable or routine basis. ADEQUATE: An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments. Public Schools of Petoskey

Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, etc. Living in motels, hotels, parks, camp grounds, etc. Living in emergency or transitional shelters Abandoned in hospitals Awaiting foster care placement & early/temporary foster care Living a in public or private place not designed for sleeping Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations, etc. Migratory living in circumstances described above (e.g., couch surfing) Examples of Temporary Housing Public Schools of Petoskey

ANALYZE THE FACTS: Steps for Determining Eligibility Public Schools of Petoskey Does the student’s living arrangement seem to fit into one of the previous examples? Does the student qualify because the student’s housing is not fixed, regular, or adequate? Still uncertain? Please call Petoskey’s Liaison Officer at

Public Schools of Petoskey IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT, CHOICE OF SCHOOLS, FREE MEALS, TRANSPORTATION, & DISPUTE RESOLUTION What Rights Does McKinney- Vento Provide?

Immediate Enrollment Public Schools of Petoskey Students experiencing homelessness are entitled to immediate enrollment, even if they do not have: Previous school records, Medical records (including immunization records), Proof of residency, A parent or guardianship papers, or Birth certificate or other documents normally required. IMMEDIATE = NORM FOR THE DISTRICT

Public Schools of Petoskey School Selection “School selection” means a school district/building that will be least disruptive to learning: School/district attended when last permanently housed School/district where last attended School/district in the attendance zone where temporarily residing School that students (living in the same attendance zone) may attend Parent, unaccompanied youth, & liaison officer are encouraged to keep student in school of origin if best interest, appropriate travel time, and safety are considered to be prime factors.

Available: Buses Gas Cards Transport Agreements Public Schools of Petoskey Entire time student is homeless AND Through the remainder of the school year, even if the student moves into permanent housing Transportation provided when Within district/building of origin, District/building most recently attended, Within reasonable distance, and Same for all students. How Long Can Student Stay in the Selected School?

Free & Reduced School Meals Public Schools of Petoskey All students identified as homeless are entitled to FREE meals. A completed application is not required to receive free meals. Principals, secretaries, & the liaison submit names of student(s) and siblings in temporary housing to district’s Food Service Director for State of Michigan reimbursement.

Unaccompanied Youth Public Schools of Petoskey Defined As Not in physical custody of parent Meets definition of homeless Not needing adult to enroll New federal guidelines are available. Availability of permanent housing does not affect eligibility under McKinney-Vento.

Special Services Public Schools of Petoskey Educational services & programs must be equitably available to all students : Special Education RtI & Intervention Services Core & Elective Courses Gifted & Talented Extra Curricular Pre-School Etc. School will assign a “surrogate parent” as needed (e.g., principal, counselor, liaison officer, or staff member) in cases where student is: a ward of the State/Court or an unaccompanied youth.

For Our Students & Families, We… Public Schools of Petoskey Include Awareness Activities & Training. Coordinate with Community Services. Use Outreach Materials, Posters, & Personnel. Ask Questions with Respect. Create Referral Schemes & Networks. Watch for Warning Signs in Students. Review & Follow Policies, Procedures, & Practices. Resolve Disputes Timely & Accurately. TO CONTAC T THE DISTRICT LIAISON OFFICER, PLEASE CALL District McKinney-Vento information & other resources are available at: