The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act

1. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act School Community Liaisons

2. What is McKinney-Vento? • The McKinney-Vento Act was designed to meet the educational needs of children in transition. • Specifically, McKinney-Vento was designed to ensure that homeless children and youth are provided with “equal access to the same free, appropriate public education…as are other children and youth.” They qualify for Title I programs and school meals. • Ensures children attend school of origin if it is in the best interest of the child, regardless of where they live. This is determined on an individual basis, not a guarantee, and search for a “spectrum of needs.”

3. National & Local Comparison U.S. Total for SY O8/09 = 915,173 AUHSD Total for SY 10/11 = 2,600

4. Rationale Behind the Program • In the past, many homeless children and youth were educated in separate facilities such as shelters or special programs. • Homeless children and youth were not given the opportunity to enroll in many public school districts. • The Civil Rights Act of 1964 • Prohibits segregation • Separate but unequal (Brown v. Topeka, 1954)

5. Rationale Behind the Program • Each time students change schools, they become further and further behind from their peers. • Many homeless youth drop out of school because they feel they can never catch up.

6. Rights of Eligible Students • Right to immediate enrollment even when records are not present • Right to remain in the school of origin, if in student’s best interest • Right to receive transportation to the school of origin • Support for academic success

7. Homelessness Defined • The McKinney-Vento Act defines homelessness as: • Lacking a regular, fixed and adequate nighttime residence • Sharing housing or “doubling up” • Living in a shelter, hotel, or motel • Living in a public or private place not intended for residency • Living in cars, parks and camps

8. Costs of Living Unexpected Bills Loss of Job Low Wages The Cycle of Homelessness

9. Common Misconceptions About Homelessness • Most homeless people live on the streets. • Most homeless individuals are single men. • Homelessness is on the decline.

10. The Truth About Homelessness • There are more homeless people today than during the Great Depression • The difference is that instead of single men, many American homeless are children. • 90% of the homeless population are the “working poor.” Shipler comments. • Low and minimum wage makes it virtually impossible to afford housing especially in OC

11. Orange County Statistics • In Orange County, there is a severe lack of affordable housing. • The average rent for a two bedroom apartment in Orange County is $1,200. • Minimum wage is $8.00. • Applicants must wait an average of 20 months for public housing, and 35 months for Section 8 vouchers.

12. What is the Impact of Poverty and Homelessness on Children? • On their Physical Health • Malnutrition • Chronic and Acute Illnesses • On their Education • Transfers • Absences • Lower Academic Achievement • On their Mental Health • Depression • Anxiety • Adjustment Disorders

13. District Responsibilities • District Liaisons are responsible for educating stakeholders and expediting school enrollment for McKinney-Vento qualifying youth. • Even if the student is missing a birth certificate or other identification. • Even if the student is missing medical records or has not been immunized. • The student has the right to stay at his/her school of origin, even if they are no longer living within the school’s boundaries.

14. Additional District Responsibilities • District Liaison must provide homeless students with transportation to and from school. • Typically, the districts provide McKinney-Vento students with bus passes. • If special arrangements need to be made, the district is responsible for ensuring proper transportation to and from school. • Determine a “Spectrum of Needs.”

15. The School Staff Responsibilities • It is important that we are aware of the McKinney-Vento youth in our schools. • We should work in conjunction with the district representatives to ensure that McKinney-Vento students are receiving services: • Immediate registration • Transportation • Meals • Additional academic support

16. Additional School Staff Understandings • Systemically, we know that homelessness is not the only issue that these students are trying to manage. • Unsafe living situations • Peer pressures • Poverty • Mental health problems • Chronic health concerns • Lack of community support

17. Three Controversial Issues • Some school districts believe it was a waste of time to enroll homeless students who will almost certainly move again within a short period of time. • Some argue that it is unsafe for homeless students to be enrolled until they are properly immunized. Change in the law for purtussis. • The unaccompanied minor presents special challenges in balancing student rights with CPS duty.

18. What Can We Do? • We can provide McKinney-Vento students and their families with: • SWI Mental Health Services • Family Therapy Referrals • Links to Community Resources • Most importantly, treat all families with respect, dignity, & the Golden Rule • Thank you for all you’ve done with our students

19. Additional Resources • CDE Homeless Education www.cde.ca.gov/sp/hs • Toll-free Number 1-866-856-8214 • National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth • National Center for Homeless Education • National Law Center for Homelessness and Poverty

20. Any Questions