McKinney – Vento Homeless Assistance Improvements Act Compliance Training for Administrators

1. McKinney – Vento Homeless Assistance Improvements ActCompliance Training for Administrators Subtitle B of Title VII Of The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as amended by The No Child Left Behind Act of 2002(Title X, Part C)

2. Overview Major Topics • Homelessness as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act • Key Provisions of McKinney Project • Rights of Homeless Students & Their Families • What McKinney Does • Dispute Resolution Process

3. Homelessness Defined Families or Unaccompanied Youth: • living in domestic violence shelters • living in emergency shelters • living in campsites, parks, bus or train stations • living in a car • living “doubled” up with another family • living in inadequate housing (lack of electricity or running water) • living in Transitional Housing Programs

4. Key Provisions of McKinney Project: • School Selection ( School Of Origin) • Enrollment disputes (Immediate Enrollment) • Academic Achievement Standards • Inter- & Intra-District Transportation • Equal Access to Programs • LEA Liaison Duties • Integration • Coordination and Collaboration • Retrieval of School Records

5. What does a Homeless Childlook like in the U.S. ? Race 63% African American 13% Hispanic 16% Anglo Gender 53% Male 49% Female Median Age: 6.5 y.o.

6. Homeless Students in School • 21% Transfer twice in one year • 16% Transfer three or more times a year • Each transfer causes 3-6 months decrease in academic growth • Nine times more likely to repeat a grade • Three times as likely to be in Special Ed. • Incomplete testing data due to absences

7. Academic Issues Homeless Students Experience Early Childhood • Increased chronic health problems • Developmental delays • Lower achievement progress • Emotional difficulties • Elementary • No sense of belonging • No predictable structure to rely on • No personal space Middle and High School • Gaps in education • Lack of trust • Low scores on standardized tests • High absenteeism • Emotional/Social difficulties

8. Homeless Students have the Right to: • Attend school no matter where they live, regardless of proof of residency • Receive assistance enrolling and succeeding in school • Remaining in their School of Origin once becoming homeless • Transportation to their School of Origin

9. Warning Signs of Homelessness: • Poor health and inadequate health care • Low grades or behind in grade level compared to peers • Attendance problem • Lack of focus • Anxiety, worry or depression • Delayed development • Emotional or Social deficiencies • Lack of sleep, food or clothing • Inability to finish assignments • Lack of books, supplies, transportation

10. McKinney Project Family Liaison Duties: • Assist with Immediate enrollment • Transportation issues • School records, immunizations and birth certificates • Verify Proof of residency or guardianship • Assess Frequent mobility • Identify Attendance problems • Provide Access to Free Lunch • Ensure Equal access to programs and extra curricular activities

11. Enrollment Disputes • Admit child or youth immediatelypending resolution of dispute • School must provide parent/guardian or youth with written explanation of decision including statement of rights • Referral to liaison for dispute resolution • Liaison ensures student is immediately enrolled • THEO Hotline: 800-446-3142

12. The McKinney Project Aims to Promote Educational Stability: • ONE School ONE Year • Removal of barriers that contribute to enrollment delays • Education of all school personnel on Homeless children rights. • Appropriate placement and educational support programs

13. Contact Information Homeless Education Liaisons • Barbara Mainz – Director of Family Support Services • Adriana Hernandez – Family Liaison • Patsy Cover – Family Liaison • Kari Phillips – Family Liaison • Office Phone: (210) 442-0642 • Fax: (210) 442-0645 • THEO Hotline: (800) 446-3142

14. Link to Poverty USA Presentation: