1. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act What we need to know to show we care about every child. What we need to know to show we care about every child.

2. For many years, our image of a homeless person was that of a single, older man.

3. The Reality

5. As many as 190,000 Texas students experience homelessness during the year.

6. Why do people become homeless? Poverty Lack of affordable housing

7. Who is homeless? The Federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act says that children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence are homeless.

8. Who is homeless?

9. homeless?

10. homeless?

11. homeless? Families living in doubled-up situations because they have lost their housing

12. Who is Homeless...?

13. Who is homeless? Children and youth in temporary foster care while awaiting placement

14. What stressors do students in homeless situations experience?

15. Transient /unstable lifestyle Transient /unstable lifestyle

16. Living in crowded conditions Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions

17. Frequently changing schools Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools

18. Inadequate personal hygiene Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene

19. Shabby or unclean clothing Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing

20. Poor health / nutrition Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing Poor health / nutrition

21. Sporadic school enrollment Sporadic school attendance Transient / unstable lifestyle Living in crowded conditions Frequently changing schools Inadequate personal hygiene Shabby or unclean clothing Poor health / nutrition Sporadic school enrollment Sporadic school attendance

22. There is GREAT news!!

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

24. The McKinney-Vento Act mandates that... every school district is required to have a homeless education liaison, and the liaison is required to perform specific tasks.

25. Homeless Liaison Campus Liaisons Everyone is aware of the liaison. The liaison has autonomy to make decisions.

26. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges

27. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment

28. Identification Administer Student Residency Questionnaire to every student. Counselors are trained to identify students.

29. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools

30. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation

31. Transportation * Develop a contract * Include important information * Pick-up & drop points and times * Bus driver’s contact info * Each party’s responsibilities * Signatures

32. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation Services

33. Placement Decisions Work with Title I, Special Ed., and other programs Set up systems for prompt placement in special programs

34. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation Services Free Lunch

35. Key Provisions of Law Address Educational Challenges Immediate Enrollment Choice of Schools Transportation Services Dispute Resolution Free Lunch

36. Know Your School and Community Resources Needs Human Fiscal Physical

37. Outreach Efforts

38. What does this mean to SWISD? SWISD’s number of identified homeless children is increasing each day. These children are there on your campus, in your classroom, next to you.

39. What can/should you do? Remember F E R P A Heighten your awareness If you have a concern about a child alert your campus liaison. Talk with your campus liaison about how you may be able to assist the student with academic success during difficult and trying times.

40. Awareness *Staff training Visit sites where homeless students stay Acquaint yourself with Ruby Paine’s work on poverty.

41. Student Support Have a staff mentor for every student.

42. Student Support Watch for isolated, “loner” students Get them involved in music, sports, Academics,Chess Club, etc.

43. Parent Information Notify all parents upon enrollment that in certain instances, their children may be able to remain at their school all year -- be sure to ask before changing schools.

44. Know your campus McKinney Vento Liaison !

45. Southwest ISD District McKinney Vento Liaison Dr. J.L. Pitman 210-622-4351 jpitman@swisd.net