The McKinney-VentoThe McKinney-VentoHomeless Assistance Act:Homeless Assistance Act:

Education for Children and Youth Who Are Homeless

It’s important to keep children

at the center of our discussion.

The McKinney-VentoThe McKinney-VentoHomeless Assistance Act:Homeless Assistance Act:Education for Children and Youth Who Are Homeless

Remove barriers to student ….. enrollment, attendance and success

HOMELESSNESS

unsheltered: living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned building; not a regular sleeping place

sheltered: emergency/transitional shelters; awaiting foster care

sharing housing -- due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason

hotels or motels

Lack fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence

RESPONSIBILITIES

1) Designate a district Homeless Liaison & school point people.

Duties of the Homeless Liaison:

2) Identify policy barriers to enrollment, attendance and success.

3) Build awareness and provide outreach.

4) Link school and community resources.

5) Enroll the child/youth who is homeless and provide support services.

STEPS

a) Determine eligibility.

b) Determine school selection

c) If parent disagrees -> dispute resolution.

d) Immediately enroll the child.

e) Flag the MARSS student record.

f) Determine needs of the child/youth.

g) Provide services.

STUDENT NEEDS

Using a child-centered, individualized approach, determine the needs of the child/youth related to education.

Education

Food-Nutrition

Transportation

Supportive services

Education

Food-Nutrition

Transportation

Supportive services

SchoolSchool- One Stable Place- One Stable Place

MDE Website:

www.education.state.mn.us, Accountability Programs,

No Child Left Behind Programs , Homeless Education--McKinney Vento

14%

27%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

All Students Students who are Homeless

Percent Receiving Special Education

Students Receiving Special Education2007- 08

full participation in education

and all school opportunities

U.S. Department of Education – National Center for Homeless Education:

Website: www.serve.org/nche

Helpline: 800-308-2145 Ruth Ellen Luehr Minnesota Department of EducationRuthellen.luehr@state.mn.us; 651-582-8403