McKinney-Vento Homeless Education

  • McKinney Vento Homeless/ Unaccompanied Youth Program

    Fort Edward Union Free School District

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

    Under McKinney-Vento, “homeless” is defined as individuals of school age who lack “fixed, regular and adequate housing.”

    I think I might be homeless, what are some examples of homeless situations?

    Here are several common examples. If you do not see your situation listed, please contact the McKinney Vento Liaison listed below to discuss your case in more detail.

    Homeless

    Not Homeless

    Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason

    Families sharing housing with a relative historically or by choice

    Children and youth living in motels, hotels or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations

    Families residing in a hotel as a result of a new home or renovations to an existing home

    Children and youth awaiting foster care placement

    Child in foster care

    Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters

    		  

    Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)

    		  

    Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations

    		  

    Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations

    		  

    What does it mean if I am homeless?

    Simply put, homeless designation means that the school district can provide additional supports and resources to support you during this difficult time. Each case is unique, but the most common needs are:

    · Free meals for all homeless students

    · Transportation if temporary residence is outside the district

    · Flexibility in scheduling, as a result of transportation needs

    · Expedited registration process to ensure that the child misses as little school as possible

    · Additional supports for students through guidance

    Who will know that I am homeless?

    Information regarding homeless status is kept as confidential as possible. Information is provided to the business office, guidance department, registrar and faculty on a need to know basis. Personal information is not shared, only the information that is needed to provide adequate services in a timely manner.

    Who do I contact?

    The best person to contact at Fort Edward is the McKinney Vento Liaison. You may also notify the registrar or main office secretary and they will direct you to the liaison.

    Joyce Long
    McKinney Vento Liaison

    (518) 747-4529 Ext. 3125

    What will happen next?

    After contacting the liaison, a meeting will be schedule promptly to determine the nature of your specific situation. During that time, you will have the opportunity to explain your circumstances and discuss with the liaison the resources that the school has at its disposal to assist you. There will be a small amount of paperwork to be completed at that time. Should transportation be required, the liaison will facilitate that process. Remember our goal is stabilize the learning environment as quickly as possible.

    Then what?

    After homeless status has been established, we will continue to work with you to provide supports in the weeks or months to come. It is important to remain in contact with the liaison as to any changes in your housing status. Moves to different temporary housing or fixed housing need to be reported to the liaison. The liaison will also reach out to you periodically to check on your status, it is essential that changes in contact information remain current.

    Additional Resources:

    · Federal McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act

    http://www.nysed.gov/essa/mckinney-vento-homeless-education

    · New York State Office for the Homeless

    http://www.nysteachs.org/

    · Dispute Resolution/ Appeals Process

    https://www.nysteachs.org/dispute-resolution-appeals-process

    · Determining Eligibility

    https://www.nysteachs.org/determining-eligibility-for-mckinney-vento

    · Enrollment and School Selection

    https://www.nysteachs.org/enrollment-and-school-selection

    · Research on Homeless Education

    https://www.nysteachs.org/research-on-homeless-education