A Presentation for Parents Kids Without Homes: A School District Responds

Contact Information Name: Office Phone: Other Phone: Homeless Education Liaison

Increasing Awareness Could you -- or someone you know -- experience … a natural disaster a job cut-back or layoff loss of sole wage-earner’s income a negative change to current lifestyle

Increasing Awareness Could you -- or someone you know -- experience … loss of health coverage and other benefits being routinely behind on paying bills high balances on credit cards

Increasing Awareness Could you -- or someone you know -- experience … inadequate health-care benefits for a family member needing long term care a family member’s addiction wages that don’t keep up with rising housing costs and taxes

Stereotypes of Homelessness

Homelessness in Texas Poverty is most common in families that rely on a single mother’s income CANYTXFLPAU.S.

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Overview Effects of poverty and homelessness on children in our state and our community The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Ways to ease life for our homeless students Major Topics

Homeless Children in Texas Current Estimate 140,000+

Federal Law defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Act The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless

Common problems Effects of poverty and homelessness Emotional and social difficulties Life is difficult for our homeless students Increasing Awareness

The McKinney-Vento Act Immediate Enrollment Key Provisions of the Law Choice of Schools Transportation Services Dispute Resolution

Texas Education Code specifies that a student who is homeless is entitled to admission in any Texas school district Chapter 25 of the Texas Education Code The entire Code is available online at statutes/ed.toc.htm

The McKinney-Vento Act Attend their school of choice For homeless parents, the law means their children have the right to: Enroll immediately without documentation Receive Title I assistance Receive free school meals

The McKinney-Vento Act School districts must set aside a portion of Title I funds to assist students in homeless situations Title I Funds

The Homeless Education Liaison every school district is required to have a homeless education liaison The McKinney-Vento Act mandates that... the liaison is required to perform specific tasks

Resources for Parents General Provisions Classes / Activities / Programs Parent Rights Guide published by The Texas Education Agency

Resources for Parents Educational rights School and health records High expectations for your child Question school staff Quick Tips

Assisting Our Homeless Students Contribute Volunteer Advocate Educate can make a difference!You

Additional Handouts Application for BVS Certificate for School Admission (English) Application for BVS Certificate School Admission (Spanish) Off to School in Texas Free School Meals

Contact Information Name: Office Phone: Other Phone: Homeless Education Liaison