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McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR SCHOOL AND DISTRICT LEADERSHIP

Updated February 2018

Remember, all students, not just those in temporary housing, benefit greatly from a positive

school environment that is both safe and supportive. The time and energy put into creating this

type of school environment will result in higher levels of success for everyone.

Toll Free Hotline: (800) 388-2014

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nysteachs.org

This tip sheet was adapted from materials from the Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia

Departments of Education and the National Center for Homeless Eduation.

KNOW THE

SIGNS:

Be familiar with common characteristics of children in temporary housing

including enrollment at multiple schools, poor hygiene, gaps in learning,

attendance problems, lack of preparedness for class, etc.

Be aware of new or ongoing behavior challenges. They may be a result of

chronic stress related to housing instability.

INFORM

FAMILIES OF

THEIR RIGHTS:

Inform parents about their child’s educational rights, including immediate

enrollment, free meals, and transportation.

Refer families to the McKinney-Vento Liaison for the school district.

Make sure that all school-based staff, including enrollment secretaries and bus

drivers, know about the educational rights of students in temporary housing.

Post information about school events and services in local shelters and local

community service organizations.

EDUCATE

YOUR SCHOOL

COMMUNITY:

Encourage all staff to use phrases like “temporarily housed” or “temporary living

situation” rather than “homeless” or “shelter.”

Help all staff understand the impact of unstable housing - such as chronic stress

and trauma - on a child by providing training on trauma-sensitivity.

Make appropriate staff aware of any student living in a temporary housing

situation so they can assist with any health/social/academic needs. Please note

that a student’s housing status is protected by FERPA and may only be shared in

within an educational context.

OFFER

SUPPORT AND

EMPATHY:

Be discreet and make the student/family feel safe. Speak privately and with

sensitivity about the family’s living situation.

Connect the student to the school community (e.g., refer the student to a

tutoring/mentoring program; help coordinate transportation to before or after-

school activities) as well as the school social worker or counselor.

Ensure that students have the opportunity to participate in school activities.

Consider using Title I funds to provide school supplies, uniforms, field trip fees, etc.

3.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is a federal law that

protects the educational rights of students in temporary housing.

It defines “homeless children and youths” as any student who lacks a

fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

School and district leaders set the tone for how students and families in temporary housing will experience

school. Keeping in mind that students may be experiencing chronic stress or trauma due to unstable housing,

administrators have an important role to play in creating a positive school climate that is safe, supportive, and

trauma-sensitive.

4.

1.

2.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.nysteachs.org/

McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND GUIDANCE

COUNSELORS

Revised Feb. 2018

The first step in supporting students in temporary housing is to identify them. Signs of an unstable

housing situation may include:

Poor Nutrition, Health, and/or Hygiene

Chronic hunger

Fatigue (i.e. falling asleep in class)

Wearing the same clothing for several days

Unmet medical/dental needs

Inconsistent or inadequate grooming

Lack of immunization/medical records

Often sick

Lack of Continuity in Education

Attendance at many different schools

Inability to contact parents

Numerous absences

Lack of participation in class/field trips

Lack of participation in afterschool activities

Reactions/Statements by Parent, Guardian, or

Student

Anger/embarrassment when asked about

current address

Mention of staying with relatives, friends, or in

a motel/hotel

Comments such as:

- “I don’t remember the name of my

previous school.”

- “I can’t remember our new address.”

- “We are going through a bad time right

now.”

- “We are staying with relatives until we get

settled.”

Social and Behavioral Cues

A marked change in behavior

Poor/short attention span

Extreme shyness

Difficulty socializing at recess

Clinging behavior

Developmental delays

Difficulty or avoidance of building relationships

with peers and/or teachers

“Old” beyond years

Aggression

Social Workers and Guidance Counselors will also want to stay in communication and/or follow-up with

teachers and administrators about students who:

Are often unprepared for class

Have numerous unexplained absences or late-arrivals to school

Don’t participate in after-school or before-school activities

Have parents or caregivers who are difficult or impossible to reach

After a family has been identified as living in temporary housing, you should contact your district’s

McKinney-Vento liaison and tell them you think the student may be in temporary housing. If you are

not sure who the McKinney-Vento liaison is, call NYS-TEACHS at 800-388-2014.

Be aware that students in temporary housing have certain educational rights including:

School Social Workers and Guidance Counselors are often the first line of communication for

students in temporary housing and their families. Individuals in these roles have an important role to

play in creating a safe and supportive environment for families.



It defines “homeless children and youths” as any student who lacks a

fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

1.

2.

3.

McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS AND GUIDANCE

COUNSELORS

Revised Feb. 2018

CHOICE OF

SCHOOLS:

Students in temporary housing, including preschool and pre-K students, have

the right to stay enrolled in their school of origin (the school attended when last

permanently housed or the school last attended). They also have the right to

transfer to the local school where they are temporarily living. It is usually in the

student’s best interest to stay enrolled in the same school. If the student

transfers, they are entitled to immediate enrollment in the new school, even if

they don’t have the documents normally needed.

TRANSPORTATION: The student has the right to transportation to/from the school of origin. This

includes the right to transportation for the remainder of the school year in which

they become permanently housed and possibly one additional year if that year

is the terminal grade level in the school.

FREE MEALS and

TITLE I:

The student is entitled to receive free school meals without filling out paperwork

regarding the family’s finances. They are also entitled to receive Title I services.

Finally, a student or family experiencing homelessness may also be experiencing a level of stress

and/or trauma that requires a supportive and trauma-sensitive approach.

How to give trauma-sensitive support:

Be discreet and make the student/family feel safe. Speak privately and empathetically about the

family’s living situation. Assure them that you are not asking questions to get anyone into trouble,

but that you want to help. If another staff member in the school has a stronger relationship with

the student or family, ask that person to have the conversation.

Be sensitive to the stigma attached to words like “homeless” and “shelter.” Instead, use phrases

like “temporarily housed” or “temporary living situation.”

Make the student and family feel welcome by actively listening, stressing partnership over power,

taking a strengths-based approach, avoiding blame, and being clear about expectations.

Connect the student to the school community (e.g. refer the student to a tutoring/mentoring

program; help coordinate transportation to before or after-school activities; talk to the student

about his/her interests and make appropriate connections).

Provide any needed school supplies (e.g. backpack, uniform, pencils) and/or educational

services (e.g. school record transfers, IEP review/renewal, speech/language therapy, mental

health services). Explore Title I set-aside funding to pay these supplies and services.

Help the student maintain proper hygiene by keeping needed toiletry items on hand or

allowing the student to use locker-room facilities (e.g. showers) before or after school.

Have snacks available for students who may need food after school or on weekends.

Help other school-based staff understand the impact of trauma and provide professional

development on trauma-sensitivity.





Departments of Education and the National Center for Homeless Education.

4.



McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR SCHOOL SECRETARIES AND

ENROLLMENT PERSONNEL


SUPPORT: The first step in supporting students in temporary housing is to identify them. Signs of

unstable housing may include attendance at several schools, incomplete records, and/or

parents who seem confused or uncomfortable when asked about a current address.

If you suspect that a family is temporarily housed, use these trauma-sensitive strategies to learn more:

Make the student/family feel welcome by assuring them that they can be enrolled even if they

do not have a permanent address or the documents typically needed for enrollment in school.

Be discreet and take the student/family to a private place to finish filling out enrollment forms.

Assure them that any additional questions you are asking are not intended to get anyone into

trouble, but rather, to make sure they are receiving the services that they are eligible for.

Actively listen, avoid words like “homeless” and “shelter.” Stress partnership, avoid blame, and

be patient and clear about expectations.

ACT: If you determine that a student is temporarily housed, you should follow these steps to

make sure that you are in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, a

federal law:

Make sure that the parents/guardians know that they can:

o Keep the student enrolled in the same school and receive transportation to/from that

school OR

o They can immediately enroll the student in the local school where they are temporarily

living. Remember, students in temporary housing can enroll immediately without the

documents normally required for enrollment (e.g., birth certificate, proof of immunization,

proof of residency, school records).

If the parent/guardian decides to enroll the student in the district where they are temporarily

living, remember to ask for the name/city of the last school attended. You’ll need to call the old

school to have all academic records forwarded to your school.

If academic documents are missing, arrange for the student to take a placement test. For more

information, visit https://nche.ed.gov/downloads/briefs/assessment.pdf.

Finally, you should also contact the school district’s McKinney-Vento homeless liaison so that other

services (i.e. free meals, transportation, tutoring, etc.) may be arranged as soon as possible.





Departments of Education and the National Center for Homeless Education.



It defines “homeless children and youths” as any student who

lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

School secretaries and enrollment personnel are often the first people whom students in temporary housing

and their families come in contact with. As front-line staff, you have an important role to play in making the

family feel safe and supported as well as taking immediate action in accordance with the McKinney-Vento

Homeless Education Act.

1.

2.

https://nche.ed.gov/downloads/briefs/assessment.pdf



McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR SCHOOL NURSES

Updated Feb. 2018

SUPPORT: The first step in supporting students in temporary housing is to identify them. Signs of

unstable housing may include poor hygiene, chronic health complaints such as headaches or

stomach aches, incomplete or missing immunization records, outdated prescriptions for eye

glasses, untreated illness, etc.

If you learn that a student is temporarily housed, use these trauma-sensitive strategies:

Show that you care about the student. Be available, accessible and compassionate to

the concerns, needs, and feelings of the student and family. Be an active and

empathetic listener. Ask about glasses, inhalers, and other commonly needed medical supplies. The student

may need them, but not have access to regular health care.

Make the student/family feel welcome by being available to help parents/caregivers

with the completion of any necessary medical records.

Develop a reliable and accessible source of medical and dental care for families in

temporary housing. Share your resources/contacts with the school district’s McKinney-

Vento liaison so that he/she can also make referrals.

ACT: Once a student is determined to be temporarily housed, you should follow these steps to

make sure that you are in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act:

Contact the school district’s McKinney-Vento homeless liaison so that other services (i.e.

free meals, transportation, tutoring, etc.) may be arranged as soon as possible. If you

don’t know who that person is, call NYS-TEACHS at 800-388-2014.

Make sure the school knows that students in temporary housing can immediately enroll

in school even without the immunization records typically needed for enrollment.

Verify immunization records and, if necessary, contact the student’s previous school to

help obtain immunization and medical records.

Refer the student to the local health department for any needed immunizations.

Discreetly make principals and teachers aware of any serious medical condition the

student may have.




This tip sheet was adapted from materials from the Illinois, North

Carolina, Texas, and Virginia Departments of Education and the

National Center for Homeless Education.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is a federal law that protects the

educational rights of students in temporary housing.

It defines “homeless children and youths” as any student who lacks a fixed,

regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Because of the one-on-one relationship that school nurses often have with students, you may see

signs of homelessness before others do. You have an important role to play in connecting the

student to specific supports under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act.

1.

2.



McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR TRANSPORTATION DIRECTORS


Transportation staff including directors, dispatchers, and drivers all contribute to the success of students in

temporary housing by ensuring school stability (e.g. busing students to and from their school of origin) and

student confidence (e.g. starting the day off on a positive note).

DIRECTORS: Transportation directors play an important role by ensuring that district transportation

policies and practices align with the McKinney-Vento Act, the district is appropriately

reimbursed for its expenses related to students in temporary housing, and there are

strong lines of communication between the transportation department and the

McKinney-Vento Liaison.

POLICIES & ● Ensure your district’s transportation policy includes transportation of

PRACTICES students in temporary housing (including preschool and pre-K students):

○ to/from the school where they were last permanently housed (up to 50 miles away)

○ to/from the school where they are living temporarily (if it is provided to other students)

o for the remainder of the school year in which permanent housing is found and possibly

one additional year if it is the terminal grade level in the school.

● The local Department of Social Services (DSS) is responsible for transportation if it places the

family outside of the school district of origin’s boundaries and the family is eligible for

Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF). DSS may request that the school district arrange

and provide transportation, but they must promptly reimburse the district.

● Keep in mind, transportation should be arranged within 3 business days.

FUNDING ● Track all expenses and explore all funding sources. For example:

o Make sure all transportation expenses for students in temporary housing are submitted to

the State Education Department. On average, districts receive aid for 60% of the cost (the

aid range is 6.5% - 90%).

o If transportation is being provided for the remainder of the school year in which a student

moves into permanent housing, the district may directly bill the district of permanent

location for transportation costs.

o Explore whether Title I funds could be used to help pay for transportation expenses for

students in temporary housing.

o Seek reimbursement from the State Education Department for transportation expenses

related to students in Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) shelters.

o Develop billing system with the local Department of Social Services for transportation

expenses related to students placed in temporary housing by the Department of Social

Services outside of the school district boundaries.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is a federal law that protects

the educational rights of students in temporary housing.



McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR TRANSPORTATION DIRECTORS


SUPPORT &

ACT:

Check-in regularly with the McKinney-Vento liaison in your district to ensure that

transportation arrangements for students in temporary housing are promptly

arranged. Make sure the liaison is made aware of students who may have become

homeless (bus drivers are often the first to know!).

Ensure that all transportation staff members, including bus drivers and dispatchers,

are familiar with the rights of students in temporary housing.

o Train transportation staff on how to identify students who may be experiencing

homelessness and on trauma-sensitive transportation procedures (e.g. For

students who are staying in shelters, is there a pick-up/drop-off point near

where they are staying so that students are not stigmatized by their peers?)

Explore creative transportation arrangements, for example:

o Collaborate with neighboring districts on bus routes,

o Offer public transit passes if available in your area and the family is able to use

public transit,

o Reimburse parents for gas if the parent has access to a vehicle,

o Use an approved taxi or van service if available in your area, or

o Look into using special education, BOCES, private school, and/or magnet

school bus routes.

Develop formal or informal inter-district agreements to transport students who are

temporarily housed outside of the district’s boundaries.

Develop procedures that address questions such as:

o Who will make the referral to the transportation director or the Department of

Social Services if the student in temporary housing needs busing?

o Who will be the point person for coordinating inter-district transportation

arrangements?

DRIVERS: Bus drivers are often a student’s first and last impression of the school day. Help everyone

succeed by sharing these tips:

Be discreet about the student’s living situation.

Avoid words like “homeless” or “shelter.”

Make a student feel safe and welcome. It can be as simple as saying “good morning”

each day and “see you tomorrow” each evening.




This tip sheet was adapted from materials from the Illinois, North

Carolina, Texas, and Virginia Departments of Education and the

National Center for Homeless Education.



McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR TEACHERS


Remember, all students, not just those in temporary housing, benefit greatly from a positive classroom

environment that is both safe and supportive. The time and energy put into creating this type of

classroom environment will result in higher levels of success for everyone.




This tip sheet was adapted from materials from the Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, and

Virginia Departments of Education and the National Center for Homeless Education.

KNOW THE

SIGNS:

Be familiar with common characteristics of students in temporary housing including:

Enrollment at multiple schools, gaps in learning, attendance problems.

Poor hygiene, lack of preparedness for class, extreme exhaustion.

Ongoing behavior challenges as these may be a result of chronic stress or stress

related to housing instability.

Social cues such as extreme shyness, clinginess, difficulty with peer and/or adult

relationships, “old” beyond years, uncharacteristically aggressive or withdrawn.

Lack of participation in class/field trips and/or afterschool activities.

TAKE A

TRAUMA-

SENSITIVE

APPROACH:

NYS-TEACHS offers a “Matrix of Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for School Success.” A few

highlights includes:

Be sensitive to the stigma of homelessness (e.g. talk to the student privately about

the living situation and use the term “temporarily housed” rather than “homeless”).

Make the student feel safe and welcome (e.g. deliberately connect the student

with a mentoring program or other extracurricular activity; make snacks and/or

hygiene supplies available; praise effort and strengths in order to build confidence;

give the student opportunities to lead; emphasize partnership, not power; etc.).

Ensure that the student has every opportunity to participate in school activities.

Consider using Title I funds to provide school/project supplies, cover field trip fees,

purchase uniforms, etc.

INFORM

AND

CONNECT:

Students in temporary housing have specific education rights, including immediate

enrollment, free meals, and transportation. If you suspect that a student is living in

temporary housing, contact your district’s McKinney-Vento liaison about next steps.

If you are not sure who your liaison is, call NYS-TEACHS at 800-388-2014.

Make appropriate staff aware of any student living in a temporary housing situation

so they can assist with any health/social/academic needs. Please note that a

student’s housing status is protected by FERPA and may only be shared in within an

educational context.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is a federal law that protects

the educational rights of students in temporary housing.



1.

2.

Teachers play a critical role in creating a classroom environment that is safe and supportive for all

students. For students in temporary housing, a safe and supportive environment includes sensitivity to the

stress and trauma that often accompanies homelessness. Below are tips for teachers to help students in

temporary housing succeed in school.

3.



http://nysteachs.org/media/Matrix.of.School.Success.Strategies_8.24.16.pdf

McKinney-Vento

Quick Tip Series TIPS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS





This tip sheet was adapted from materials from the Illinois, North Carolina, Texas, and

Virginia Departments of Education and the National Center for Homeless Education.

Know Your Rights School Choice: If you move into temporary housing, your children have 3 school choices! They can

stay in the same school they went to when you had a permanent address, OR stay in their most recent

school, OR transfer to the school for where you are staying now. This includes public preschool

programs.

Immediate Enrollment: You can enroll your children in school without the usually required documents.

The school must enroll your children within 1 day even without immunization forms, guardianship

papers, birth certificates, or proof of address. After your children are enrolled, the school can help you

get any needed records.

Transportation: If your children stay in their same school, they can get free transportation to/from that

school. If you move from temporary to permanent housing during the school year, your children will still

get transportation for at least the rest of the school year, and maybe one more year, if it’s their last

year in the building. This includes pre-school aged students.

Free Meals and Title I Services: Your children can get free meals at school. You do not need to fill out

any forms about your family’s finances. Students in temporary housing can also get Title I services,

including emergency supplies, counseling, tutoring, etc.

Help from McKinney-Vento Liaison: Every school district has a McKinney-Vento liaison. The liaison is a

staff person who will help you enroll your child in school and connect you and your family with

services. If you don’t know who your district’s liaison is, call us at 800-388-2014 and we can tell you.

Ask the Right Questions Can I talk with the McKinney-Vento liaison?

What transportation is available for my child?

Who can help set up free meals for my child?

What if my child needs special education or English

Language Learning (ELL) services?

Keep Track of Important Documents You have the right to enroll your children

without documents or records. But, it will

be helpful if you do have things like

immunization records, birth certificates, or

academic records.

Know Who Can Help? We can! You can call us (NYS-TEACHS) at 800-388-2014 with any questions regarding your children’s

educational rights. You can also call the McKinney-Vento liaison in your school district.

If you are living in temporary housing, YOU HAVE RIGHTS regarding the

education of your children under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act.

Call us at 800-388-2014 for help.



Serie de guía de

recomendaciones

McKinney-Vento RECOMENDACIONES PARA PADRES Y TUTORES

Actualizado en febrero de 2018

Conozca sus derechos Elección de escuela: Si usted se muda a una vivienda temporal, sus hijos tienen 3 opciones de

escuela. Pueden permanecer en la misma escuela a la que iban cuando tenían una vivienda

permanente, O pueden permanecer en la escuela a la que iban más recientemente, O pasar a la

escuela correspondiente al lugar en el que residen actualmente. Este derecho incluye los programas

de educación preescolar pública.

Inscripción inmediata: Puede inscribir a sus hijos en la escuela sin presentar los documentos que se

solicitan habitualmente. La escuela debe inscribir a sus hijos en el plazo de 1 día, aunque no presente

certificados de vacunación, documentos que acrediten su tutoría legal, certificados de nacimiento o

constancia de domicilio. Después de inscribir a sus hijos, la escuela puede ayudarle a obtener los

documentos necesarios.

Transporte: Si sus hijos permanecen en la misma escuela, pueden tener servicios de transporte gratuito

para ir a la escuela y regresar. Si se muda de una vivienda temporal a una residencia permanente

durante el año escolar, sus hijos seguirán teniendo servicios de transporte gratuito durante el resto del

año escolar por lo menos, y quizá, durante un año más, si es el último año en ese establecimiento.

Están incluidos los alumnos en edad preescolar.

Comidas gratis y servicios en virtud del Título I: Sus hijos pueden recibir comidas gratuitas en la

escuela. No es necesario que complete formularios relacionados con la situación económica de la

familia. Los estudiantes que residen en viviendas temporales también pueden tener los servicios

previstos en el Título I, como artículos de emergencia, asesoramiento, tutorías, etc.

Ayuda del enlace McKinney-Vento: Cada distrito escolar tiene un enlace McKinney-Vento. El enlace

es un miembro del personal que le ayudará a inscribir a su hijo(a) en la escuela y le proporcionará

información a usted y su familia sobre los servicios disponibles. Si no sabe quién es el enlace para su

distrito, llámenos al 800-388-2014 y le podremos informar.

Formule las preguntas correctas ¿Puedo hablar con el enlace McKinney-Vento?

¿Qué servicio de transporte está disponible para mi

hijo(a)?

¿Quién me puede ayudar a hacer los arreglos

necesarios para que mi hijo(a) reciba las comidas

gratis?

¿Qué debo hacer si mi hijo(a) necesita servicios de

educación especial o del programa para

estudiantes que aprenden inglés (ELL)?

Conserve los documentos importantes Usted tiene derecho a inscribir a sus hijos

sin documentos o registros. Pero, sería útil

si puede presentar los certificados de

vacuna, certificados de nacimiento o

registros del desempeño académico, por

ejemplo.

¿Sabe quién lo puede ayudar? ¡Nosotros! Puede llamarnos (NYS-TEACHS) al 800-388-2014 para hacernos las preguntas que tenga sobre

los derechos de educación de sus hijos. También puede llamar al enlace McKinney-Vento de su distrito

escolar.

Si reside en una vivienda temporal, USTED TIENE DERECHOS con respecto a la educación de sus hijos

en conformidad con la Ley de educación McKinney-Vento de asistencia a personas sin hogar.

Llámenos al 800-388-2014 para obtener ayuda.

Serie de guía de

recomendaciones

McKinney-Vento RECOMENDACIONES PARA PADRES Y TUTORES

Actualizado en febrero de 2018

Línea directa gratuita: (800) 388-2014

Correo electrónico: [email protected]

Sitio web: www.nysteachs.org

Esta guía de recomendaciones es una adaptación de materiales de los Departamentos

de Educación de Illinois, Carolina del Norte, Texas y Virginia y del Centro Nacional de

Educación para personas sin hogar (National Center for Homeless Education).

