McKinney – Vento Homeless Assistance Improvements Act Information for Family Specialists

1. McKinney – Vento Homeless Assistance Improvements ActInformation for Family Specialists 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. Federal Law The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines and protects the rights of homeless students to enroll in, attend, and succeed in our public schools

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

5. Increasing Awareness Warning Signs of Homelessness: • Poor health and inadequate health care • Low grades or behind in grade level compared to peers • Attendance problems • 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. McKinney Project Family Liaisons 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

10. Contact InformationHomeless Education Liaisons▪Barbara Mainz- Director of Family Support Services▪Adriana Hernandez-Family Liaison▪Kari Phillips-Family Liaison▪Michael A Jones-Family Liaison▪Office Phone: (210)442-0642▪Fax: (210)442-0645