Homeless Education

Tracy Fitzpatrick - Homeless Support Specialist

• Public or private shelters
• With a parent in a domestic violence shelter
• Transitional housing programs
• Public or private places not designated for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations, such as vehicles, parks, hotels/motels, campgrounds, etc.
• Individuals and/or families staying with relatives or friends due to a lack of housing
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth – a child not in the physical custody of a legal parent or guardian. Includes runaways, children thrown out, or kicked out of their homes
• Children abandoned or separated from their parents
• Children of migrant families who lack adequate housing

No. Because homeless families are unable to establish a permanent "home," a school cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay the enrollment of school-age children.

The law indicates that the local education agency shall either, according to the child’s best interest:

 

No.

 

The school selected shall immediately enroll the child/youth in school, even if the child or youth lacks records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation. The terms "enroll" and "enrollment" are defined to include attending classes and participating fully in school activities. The enrolling school must immediately contact the last school the child or youth attended to obtain relevant academic and other records. Immunization records can be transferred over the phone from the school nurse of the sending school to the school nurse of the receiving school.

 

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program exists to help homeless children with a wide variety of services. We can assist homeless children during this time of change and stress. If you are homeless with school-age children or you are a school, agency, or shelter employee, please contact one of the persons listed at the top of this page.