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Tennessee Attendance ConferenceApril 2014

Homeless Students: McKinney-VentoPaula.Gaddis@tn.gov

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• 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

National Center for Homeless Education

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

Who is homeless?

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“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

Definitions

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“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

Unaccompanied Youth

National Center for Homeless Education

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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

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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

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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.

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Local LiaisonsIdentify homeless studentsEnsure enrollment, attendance, and full

and equal opportunity for successEnsure 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 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act 2002

Student Rights Immediate enrollment, even if

lacking paperwork

Section 722(g)(3)(C) ENROLLMENT- (i) “The school selected in accordance with thisparagraph 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)

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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

Student Rights

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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.

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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

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Coding

01 = Shelters, transitional housing, awaiting foster care02 = 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.

TN 2013 Report Card and CSPR data reporting 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

Source: National Center on Family Homelessness (NCFH 18

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

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

Quick Facts

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Contact Information

Paula GaddisTennessee Department of EducationPaula.Gaddis@tn.gov615-741-3262