MC-KINNEY VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT
All school-aged homeless children are entitled to the same free and appropriate public education that is provided to non-homeless students. Schools are required to remove barriers to the enrollment, attendance, and academic success of homeless students. Refer to BUL- 1570.1; Enrollment/Support of Homeless Children and Youth in Schools, March 5, 2008.
ENROLLMENT
Schools must immediately enroll homeless students, regardless of the lack of:
- Academic Records
- Proof of Residency
- Medical Records
- Immunization Records
- A 30 day conditional enrollment is granted if immunization records are not provided The enrolling school shall immediately contact the last school of attendance to obtain missing records.
HOMELESS ED PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist in the identification of homeless students.
Facilitate enrollment and equal access to school programs.
Assist unaccompanied youth with enrollment, school placement and obtaining immunization records.
Provides school backpacks, school supplies and assistance with transportation and school clothing as appropriate.
Ensure students and their families receive all services for which they are eligible, such as Head Start, Early Head Start, Preschool, etc.
Provide in-service training and technical assistance to schools and community agencies.
Provide referrals to health, mental health, dental and other school and community services.
Coordinate resources through community outreach.
Ensure that parents are informed of their educational rights and are provided with the opportunity to participate in their child’s academic career.
Disseminate public notice of educational rights in places where services are provided.
Ensure that schools are informing parents and students of transportation services and provide assistance in accessing these services.
Mediate enrollment disputes.
Ensure that homeless youth have access to a free public education, equal to that of any other youth.
Strengthen the implementation of the District’s homeless education policy.
Reduce enrollment barriers that homeless families face.
Ensure that homeless students are being properly identified and served Coordinate resources through community outreach.
Increase school staffs’ awareness of and sensitivity to homeless families and their plight.
Ensure that homeless students are not segregated from their non-homeless peers.
