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Connecting the Dots!! Targeted Supports for MCV Students. 5 th Regional Conference to End Homelessness Norfolk, VA March 11, 2014. Objectives. Discuss MCV history in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and role of A Child’s Place (ACP) as partner
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Connecting the Dots!! Targeted Supports for MCV Students 5th Regional Conference to End Homelessness Norfolk, VA March 11, 2014
Objectives • Discuss MCV history in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and role of A Child’s Place (ACP) as partner • Share assessment tools • Discuss funding strategies • Showcase strategies that support MCV students • Showcase strategies that support MCV families
Background Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is an urban school district with the largest homeless population in North Carolina. It is the 18th largest school district in the country. A Child’s Place (ACP) is a non-profit that works to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Background • Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools • 144,000 students in 160 schools • 53% of students are Economically Disadvantaged • 73 Title I Schools • McKinney-Vento Students • 2012-2013: 4,770 MCV students • 2011-2012: 4,922 MCV students • 2010-2011: 4,711 MCV students • 2009-2010: 4,453 MCV students
MCV in Charlotte-Mecklenburg • District Liaison • School Liaisons • Coordination with Transportation, Child Nutrition, Student Placement, Family/Community Services, International Center, Title I, School Health • Coordination with Community Resources/Agencies • MCV students identified in 98% of our schools
District Connections • 9 MCV Social Workers-6 High schools, 2 K-8 schools (year round), 1 Elementary school • Annual training of identified MCV Liaison at every school • Assessment connects siblings at other schools (A Child’s Place assists with this also) • Services Fair-connects schools with community resources
Role of MCV Social Worker • General School Social Worker • Responsible for ENTIRE school • Focus on attendance, crisis and other critical issues • McKinney-Vento School Social Worker • Spotlight on MCV students and families • Attendance and Transportation • Academic Challenges • Social/Emotional Needs • Family Needs Assessment • General School Support
Assessment Tools • Student In Transition Assessment • Child Nutrition Notification • Academic Assessment • Services Checklist
Academic Supports/Attendance • Meet with the student’s counselor A. Credit Check Review B. On or Off Track for 2010-2014 Cohort 1. Credit Recovery 2. Remedial Supports 3. Twilight School 4. N.C. Virtual Public School
Academic Supports/Attendance • Student/ Parent Conference A. GPA B. Credit Check Review/On or off-track for cohort C. Post High School Plans 1. College/Community College a. SAT or ACT b. State or Private Institution c. FAFSA (Question #55) d. College Tours and College Supplies 1. College/
Academic Supports/Attendance 2. World of Work a. Resume workshops b. Internships c. Summer work programs d. NC Vocational Rehab Program 3. Military a. ASVAB exam b. Recruiters
Funding MCV Program • Title I Set Aside • 2 MCV Social Workers • After School Enrichment and Tutoring • Small amount for field trips and supplies • MCV Subgrant • 1 MCV Social Worker • Supplies and NAEHCY conference • School Improvement Grants (ending in June) • 3 MCV Social Workers • District Title I Funds • 3 MCV Social Workers • Academic Assessment • Services Checklist
Family Engagement • PTSA (provide FOOD for meetings!) Different types of fund raising to get more people involved. • Websites, Social media, Connect Ed-radio announcer assisting for one group • Transportation and Bus passes
Trainings and Family Fun Nights Talent Shows Love and Logic Game Night Parent Prom
Resource Experts • Restrictions and requirements to participate in programs • Eligibility vs. Ineligibility • Which referral at which time… • And…who is in control? “Once a person is determined to help themselves, there is nothing that can stop them.” - Nelson Mandela
Challenges & Triumphs • One of the greatest challenges is assisting families to regain or, for some, gain stability • What are the family’s goals? Based on statement and actions – sometimes they do not match • Some things are beyond their circumstances/abilities… or for the best • We can be those eyes of healing AND recognizing movement and change – even when families find themselves “back where they started”
A Child’s Place Overview • Began in 1989 as a one-room classroom • 2,656 students served (56%) in 2012-2013 • Concentrates in 33 elementary and middle schools • Works to erase impact of homelessness • Programs focus on student support, academic support, parent support and summer day camp Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Team Approach 10 Social Work Teams made up of: • Masters-level social worker: • works with family to resolve issues contributing to their housing crisis through referrals • works with children in small groups and individually • Professional student advocate: • identifies and secures solutions to children’s needs • coordinates volunteer services • Provides additional tutoring and mentoring services Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Team Approach Service Models: • School-based model – 1 Social Worker and 1 Student Advocate located in 1-2 schools • Flex Team Model - 1 Social Worker and 1 Student Advocate serving 6 schools • Brief Contacts Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Services • Leverage community resources to provide basic needs • Medical and dental care • Coordinate academic help • Small social skills groups • Community volunteers as tutors and lunch buddies Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Services • Family advocacy and education • Holiday sponsorship • Additional food at school breaks • Involvement in community housing issues • Free summer day camp for qualified students Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Partnership with CMS • McKinney-Vento identification • School office space • School staff ID badges • Volunteer background checks • Student attendance, behavior and academic data • Joint staff trainings Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Partnership with CMS • Parent University trainings • School sites for summer camp • Summer Feeding program • Contract for summer camp transportation Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Community Initiatives • Over 150 community partnerships with service providers, government, businesses and faith community • Participate in community coalitions and collaborations that benefit homeless children Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Funding • Foundations - 29% • Individuals - 28% • Faith and Civic Organizations - 18% • Businesses - 15% • United Way - 10%. Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Outcomes (2012-2013) • Reached 2,656 of the 4,770 identified homeless children (56%) in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 2012-2013: • 99% were promoted to the next grade level • 92% received a passing grade in reading • 92% received a passing grade in math70% had an average or better attendance rating by the final marking period • 92% had an average or higher behavior rating by the final marking period • 65% had at least one health need met • 34% of children with educational gaps were identified and addressed Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.
Presenter Information Dearsley Vernon, McKinney-Vento Specialist dearsley1.vernon@cms.k12.nc.us Annabelle Suddreth, Executive Director asuddreth@achildsplace.org