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1. TN.GOV/EducationFACEBOOK.COM/TennesseeEducationTWITTER:@TNeduTN.GOV/EducationFACEBOOK.COM/TennesseeEducationTWITTER:@TNedu

2. Tennessee Attendance ConferenceApril 2014 Homeless Students: McKinney-Vento Paula.Gaddis@tn.gov

3. Stewart B. McKinney Act, 1987 (1990, 1994) • 2001, reauthorization and name change to McKinney-Vento Act • Provides states with funding to support local grants and statewide initiatives • Requires educational access, attendance, and success for homeless children and youth • Outlines responsibilities for districts, local liaisons, and state coordinators

4. Who is homeless? • Lacks “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence”: • Doubled-up (economic hardship – not by choice) • Motels, hotels, campgrounds, trailers • (no alternative adequate accommodations) • Emergency or transitional shelters • Public or private place not designated for human living such as • cars, parks, substandard housing, abandoned • buildings, bus/train stations • Migrant children fitting the definition National Center for Homeless Education

5. Definitions • “A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change.” • “A regular residence is one which is used on a regular (i.e., nightly) basis.” • “An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments.” National Center for Homeless Education

6. Unaccompanied Youth • “not in the physical custody of a parent or • guardian” • Living situation meets homeless definition • Eligible for services regardless of reason • for separation • Ran away • Forced to leave home • All protections and rights including • immediate enrollment apply National Center for Homeless Education

7. District Obligations • Appoint a Local Homeless Education Liaison • Remove barriers to education, including revising district policy • Ensure compliance with Title X, Part C/McKinney-Vento Act • Immunization Report

8. Barriers • Enrollment requirements (lack of school records, immunizations, proof of residence and guardianship) • School supplies, clothing, etc. • Transportation • Poor health, fatigue, hunger • Prejudice and misunderstanding

9. Immunization Tennessee Code Annotated 49-6-5001(g) • LEAs report homeless numbers by school of students who, at the time of enrollment, were without immunization records. • The average time to be immunized or obtain immunization records. Example, 6 days.

10. Local Liaisons • Identify homeless students • Ensure enrollment, attendance, and full and equal opportunity for success • Ensure families, children, and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible Head Start, Even Start, referrals to health, mental health, dental, and other appropriate services

11. Student Rights • Immediate enrollment, even if lacking paperwork Section 722(g)(3)(C) ENROLLMENT- (i) “The school selected in accordance with this paragraph shall immediately enroll the homeless child or youth, even if the child or youth is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation.” (birth certificate, proof of guardianship, or residency)

12. Student Rights • School selection • Transportation to/from school of origin • Comparable services • Prohibition of segregation • Public posting of rights • Free school meals • Title I, Part A support • Special Education, where deemed necessary

13. School SelectionWhere can homeless children attend school? Children and youth experiencing homelessness can, according to their best interest,: • Enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, • Stay in their school of origin.

14. Coding Homeless McKinney-Vento: A homeless student served by federal McKinney-Vento funds any time during the school year Y/N You only mark “yes” if you are receiving a homeless subgrant. Homeless: All students identified in district

15. Coding 01= Shelters, transitional housing, awaiting foster care 02= Doubled up (living with another person or family) 03= Unsheltered (cars, parks, abandoned building, campgrounds, trailer) 04 = Hotels/motels Please notice that there is no 00 code.

16. How Many? • Federal Estimate – 10% of those on Free and Reduced Lunch (FRL) will be homeless. • 576,435 = actual FRL for Tennessee (2012-2013) • 57,643 = federal estimate for homeless count (2012-2013) • 14,319 = TN homeless count in (2012-2013) datacenter.kidscount.org TN 2013 Report Card and CSPR data reporting

17. Quick Facts • Among school-age homeless children: • 47% have problems such as anxiety, depression, and withdrawal, compared to 18% of other school-age children • 36 % manifest delinquent or aggressive behavior, compared to 17% of other school-age children • Among young homeless children: • One out of five (between three and six years of age) have emotional problems serious enough to require professional care • 16% of homeless preschoolers have behavior problems including severe aggression and hostility Source: National Center on Family Homelessness (NCFH

18. Quick Facts Homeless children • Have four times the average rate of delayed development. • Have more academic problems than other children. • Are under served by special education. 9% are in special education classes, compared to 24 % of housed children. • Are suspended twice as often as other children. National Center on Family Homelessness (NCFH)

19. Contact Information Paula Gaddis Tennessee Department of Education Paula.Gaddis@tn.gov 615-741-3262