WHAT HOMELESS FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW
Who is homeless? Anyone who, due to lack of housing, lives:
- in emergency or transitional shelters
- in motels, hotels, campgrounds, abandoned in hospitals, or awaiting foster care
- in cars, parks, public places, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings
- doubled up with relatives or friends
- migratory children living in these conditions
What are your rights?
- Homeless children have a right to attend school.
- You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
- Homeless children have the right to stay in their home school if the parents choose.
- Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
- Your child has the opportunity to receive transportation services to and from the school of origin.
- Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, or local programs for which he/she is eligible.
- Free breakfast and lunch programs
- Tutoring programs
- Programs to help children learn English
- Gifted and talented programs
- Summer school programs
- Pre-school programs
- After-school programs
- Homeless assistance programs
- Possible transportation assistance for children to remain in their home school.
What your family can do before you move:
- Tell your child's teacher and principal that your child is moving and give them the new address.
- Let school officials know if you want your child to stay in his/her home school while you are getting the family stabilized.
- Ask for a copy of your child's school records, including immunizations.
- Provide your child with an opportunity to say goodbye to friends.
Tips for families who move often:
- Keep a copy of birth certificates and school records accessible.
- Safeguard all health and immunization records.
- Have a reliable person keep a second copy of the child's birth certificate, school records, and health information.
- Enroll children in school as soon as possible.
- Inform the new school about any special education records that pertain to your child.
Special Education:
Children with special needs between the ages of 3 and 21 are eligible to receive a free, appropriate education provided through the public school system. Parens who believe their child may be eligible for services should contact their child's school or the school district.
Homeless Education Liaison:
Randee Garrett
(208) 337-4033