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Check out our recorded webinars on some of today's most cutting edge Homeless Education topics.  Professional Learning NYS TEACHS offers virtual monthly webinars. All webinars, including upcoming and newly released, will be posted to this page. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@nysteachs.org . Check out our recorded webinars for groundbreaking and innovative intel on some of the most popular topics in homeless education. McKinney-Vento Webinars (State) McKinney-Vento Webinars (NYC) Trauma-Informed Support Webinar Series McKinney-Vento Webinars Back to School with McKinney-Vento 2025-2026 This session will review the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as it relates to identification, immediate enrollment and transportation of students experiencing temporary housing. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento 101 Homeless Assistance Act This session will focus on the key provisions and the important role of the McKinney-Vento liaison in providing these benefits and protections to students. WATCH NOW Roles and Responsibilities of McKinney-Vento Liaisons 2025 -26 This session is designed especially for McKinney Vento liaisons who are new to their role in implementing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. WATCH NOW Creating A School District McKinney-Vento Homeless Policy 2024 In this webinar, a sample LEA policy on the Education of Students in Temporary Housing will be reviewed to ensure that district policies are in full compliance with updated state and federal laws. WATCH NOW Supporting Students in Temporary Housing-Identification & Eligibility 2025 This webinar will support McKinney-Vento Liaisons in the identification of students experiencing homelessness and in the determination of eligibility for services. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento Act: Supporting Students with Enrollment & School Selection 2025 This webinar will focus on providing information on how to guide the decision of school selection when considering what is in the best interest of the child/youth. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth - 2025 This webinar will focus on using the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act to determine eligibility for benefits and to provide the supports that foster academic success. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento: Working with Families Experiencing Homelessness This interactive webinar will feature scenarios and offer ways to work with parents experiencing homelessness to ensure the best educational services for their children. WATCH NOW The Role of Transportation Under the McKinney-Vento Act 2025 This webinar will address the key provisions of transportation for students experiencing homelessness. WATCH NOW Supporting Students in Temporary Housing with Title 1 Part A Set-Aside Funds (Rest of State - Not NYC) The webinar will provide information on the purpose of Title 1 funds and how these funds can be used to support students living in temporary housing. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento: Supporting Young Children Living In Temporary Housing - 2025 This webinar will focus on how the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act applies to young children, specifically preschoolers who experience homelessness. WATCH NOW Understanding the STAC-202 Policy 2026 This webinar will focus on providing information on the STAC 202 process. Opportunities will be provided to determine whether an LEA should apply for tuition reimbursement or direct bill another school district for the cost of educating a student in temporary housing. WATCH NOW Understanding the STAC-202 Process - 2026 This training is recommended for all district personnel, new or as a refresher, who are responsible for overseeing, conducting, or reporting STAC homeless placements. WATCH NOW Preparing Students for Postsecondary Education and Completing the FAFSA 2026 This webinar will discuss these barriers and provide strategies for helping youth experiencing homelessness prepare for and transition to post-secondary education, with particular emphasis on college preparation. Information will be provided on how to complete the FAFSA and obtain fee waivers. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento Act: Students Attending Charter Schools* *in Rest of State, not NYC 2025 This webinar will provide information on the provisions of the McKinney-Vento law with a focus on enrollment and transportation. (Webinar is intended for Rest of State, not NYC) WATCH NOW Navigating the Dispute Resolution Process 2026 The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act provides a provision, the dispute resolution process, to resolve these types of disagreements. WATCH NOW Data Collection and Reporting (Rest of State) Presented in Collaboration w/ the Office of Information and Reporting Services This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn about data sources, the data verification process, and the role of the Student Information Repository System (SIRS) in the data collection process and reporting of students experiencing homelessness. WATCH NOW Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Living in Temporary Housing - November 2025 The webinar will provide information on the intersection of McKinney-Vento and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and how LEA’s can support students with disabilities who are living in temporary housing. WATCH NOW Addressing Chronic Absenteeism for Students in Temporary Housing This session equips McKinney-Vento liaisons with evidence-based strategies and practical tools to improve attendance. Participants will explore root causes, examine successful models, hear from students with lived experience, and more. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento Act: Meeting the Needs of Recently Arrived Children and Youth This webinar will focus on ways to meet the needs of recently arrived children and youth while addressing barriers to academic success. WATCH NOW End of Year Planning for McKinney-Vento Liaisons 2026 The webinar will also address outreach and identification efforts that can occur over the summer, summer school programming and needs assessment tools. WATCH NOW Planning your LEA Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program - 2026 Topics include conducting an informal needs assessment, making data-based decisions, planning efficient collaborations, organizing your work, developing a back-to-school checklist, and practicing self-care. WATCH NOW Supporting Students in Temporary Housing: Liaising Through a Social-Emotional Framework This session will utilize the CASEL framework, specifically the CASEL 5 components: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness, as the foundation for our discussion. WATCH NOW Breaking Barriers: Practical Strategies for Engaging Families of Students in Temporary Housing This session examines the relational practices needed to build authentic, trust-based partnerships with families in temporary housing. WATCH NOW McKinney-Vento Webinars - New York City McKinney-Vento Act: Supporting Students Attending Charter Schools in NYC This webinar will provide information on the provisions of the McKinney-Vento law with a focus on enrollment and transportation. WATCH NOW The Role of Transportation to Support Students in Temporary Housing in New York City - 2026 This webinar will will address the key provisions of transportation for students in temporary housing in New York City. WATCH NOW Supporting Students in Temporary Housing with Title 1 Part A Set-Aside Funds in New York City 2023 The webinar will provide information on the purpose of Title 1 funds and how these funds can be used to support students living in temporary housing. WATCH NOW Trauma-Informed Support Webinar Series Creating Trauma-Informed and Responsive Practices in Schools This webinar will be provided by the NYS Trauma Informed Network Resource Center. NYS Trauma Informed Network Resource Center (TINRC) is a division of Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) that is funded by NYS Office of Mental Health. READ MORE Promoting Student Mental Health This webinar will introduce school staff to the concept of mental health as a continuum of wellness with special attention to the impact of traumatic experiences, including loss, homelessness, poverty, abuse, and neglect. WATCH NOW Trauma Informed Family Engagement This webinar will explore the impact of trauma on safety and well-being and explore ways to affirm family experiences through trauma-sensitive practices. WATCH NOW Session 1: Understanding Trauma This session will focus on building a foundation of knowledge to understand trauma and its impact on the brain and behavior. WATCH NOW The Intersection of Gender-Based Violence and Homelessness This 90-minute webinar is designed to provide a fundamental knowledge base on the issue of domestic violence as it intersects with homelessness. WATCH NOW Session 2: Practices and Strategies for Safety and Support This session will provide an overview of the principles of trauma-sensitive or -informed care. WATCH NOW Session 3: Self-Care and Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress This session will focus on the application of the knowledge and concepts explored in becoming trauma informed to experiences in the liaison role. WATCH NOW state city trauma Mandatory McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Training Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), McKinney-Vento liaisons are required to participate in professional development so they can better identify and meet the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness (42 U.S.C. §§ 11432[f][6] & [g][6][A][ix]). The field memo attached titled, “MV Required Training Memo 22-23”, provides information regarding professional development and training required of McKinney-Vento liaisons to better identify and meet the needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness in accordance with the federal McKinney-Vento Act. Federal law also requires that McKinney-Vento liaisons ensure that local educational agency (LEA) personnel providing McKinney-Vento services (e.g., superintendents, registrars, transportation directors, CSE chairs, school counselors, school social workers, principals, Title I directors, teachers) receive professional development. Liaisons can either provide such LEA personnel with training themselves or ensure that they participate in one training offered by NYS-TEACHS. Questions may be directed to: Melanie Faby at Melanie.Faby@nysed.gov or Jane Fronheiser at Jane.Fronheiser@nysed.gov , ESSA Funded Programs Office, 518-473-0295 NYS-TEACHS, 1-800-388-2014, www.nysteachs.org

This session examines the relational practices needed to build authentic, trust-based partnerships with families in temporary housing. Breaking Barriers: Practical Strategies for Engaging Families of Students in Temporary Housing - 2026 For families experiencing temporary housing, schools can be either a source of significant stress or a place of stability and support. Moving beyond compliance with the McKinney-Vento Act, this session examines the relational practices needed to build authentic, trust-based partnerships with families in temporary housing. Participants will reflect on common challenges and expand their approaches to family engagement through practical, research-informed strategies. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act related to the rights of parents and guardians Distinguish between family engagement and family involvement Apply strategies to build trust and foster a sense of belonging within the school community Analyze common barriers to partnership and select aligned engagement strategies Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint For more resources on the roles and responsibilities of Liaisons, visit the Homeless Education page . Back to Professional Learning

New York State Technical and Educational Assistance Center for Homeless Students (NYS-TEACHS) provides information, referrals, and trainings to schools, school districts, social service providers, parents, and others about the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. HELP LINE Get answers to your questions about McKinney-Vento! The NYS-TEACHS team is here to help liaisons, educators, parents, students, advocates, and others implement McKinney-Vento. 800-388-2014 Have questions about this website and how it's organized? Click HERE to watch a brief website walkthough. Community of Practice #3 - Setting up for Success: Strategies for Planning your Consolidated Application Title I, Part A Set-aside for Homeless Students May 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM EDT | Online Webinar In this session, Alexandra (Lexie) Pressley from the Office of ESSA Funded Programs, will share approaches to determining the “just right” amount for supporting students in temporary housing with the required Title I, Part A set-aside for homeless students. Liaisons are encouraged to bring business managers or district fiscal staff to this Community of Practice (COP), as a way of ensuring understanding regarding the requirements and allowable uses of the Title I, Part A set-aside. LEARN MORE REGISTER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING NYS-TEACHS provides school districts, social service providers, and other professionals with free trainings and webinars about the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. + Learn more Find a Liaison Find contact information for the local McKinney-Vento liaison serving your school district, charter school, or BOCES. Find a Liaison Order Posters & Brochures Request brochures and posters from NYS-TEACHS Get Brochures & Posters About NYS-TEACHS Meet the team of professionals working to assist school districts, liaisons, parents, and families access the tools they need to better aid those in temporary housing. About NYS-TEACHS DATA View and download spreadsheets containing data on the number of students who experienced homelessness in New York State at any point in the indicated school year. Data on Student Homelessness NEWS & COMMUNICATIONS Now more than ever, meeting the needs of students experiencing homelessness is challenging and critical. Tale from the Field: Providing Professional Learning to Colleagues May 5 2 min read Tale from the Field: McKinney-Vento and UHY School Selection Jan 30 5 min read Tale from the Field: McKinney-Vento and Direct Placement Dec 17, 2025 3 min read Read All News BE A SUBSCRIBER Stay up-to-date with the latest news First Name Last Name Enter your email here Sign Up Thanks for submitting!

Students in temporary housing who need summer school to advance to the next grade, or who need summer school to graduate on time, must be provided the opportunity to attend summer school free of charge. Summer School Students in temporary housing who need summer school to advance to the next grade, or who need summer school to graduate on time, must be provided the opportunity to attend summer school free of charge. School districts may be asked to cover fees associated with summer school for students in temporary housing. Students in temporary housing are entitled to transportation to and from summer school if the school district provides transportation to permanently housed students. In addition, school districts must provide transportation if the lack of transportation is a barrier to the student's ability to attend summer school, even if the district does not transport permanently housed students. During the summer months, all Local Education Agencies (LEAs, including school districts, charter schools, and BOCES) are also required to have a McKinney-Vento Liaison. They should appoint an interim summer Liaison if the academic year Liaison is unavailable during the summer months. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Laws & Guidance McKinney-Vento Summer School Information - 2026 During the 2025-2026 school year, Local Education Agencies (LEAs) have provided a wide variety of supports to students experiencing homelessness, including those students made homeless by international conflict or economic instability. As LEAs begin to plan summer programming, they should continue to consider the needs of these students, who regularly face extraordinary academic and social emotional challenges. This memo outlines the required actions under the McKinney-Vento Act that LEAs must take to support students experiencing homelessness during the summer break. Additionally, it provides suggested strategies for LEAs to fulfill the requirements described. Laws & Guidance McKinney-Vento Summer School Information - 2025 The Office of ESSA-Funded Programs has released a guidance document for LEAs related to the McKinney-Vento Act requirements during the summer. The McKinney Vento Summer School Information Memo provides LEAs with information on the required actions under the McKinney-Vento Act that LEAs must take to support students experiencing homelessness during the summer break. Outside of the school year, LEAs are required to ensure that students have access to summer school and programming and that barriers to attending programming, such as transportation, are removed. LEAs with questions regarding this memo may email CONAPPTA@nysed.gov , call NYS-TEACHS at 1-800-388-2014, or call Jane Fronheiser, McKinney Vento State Coordinator, at 518-473-0295. Guides & Fact Sheets Transportation Guide for Students in Temporary Housing NYS-TEACHS This chart provides concise information on the transportation rights of students in temporary housing attending school in New York State. It includes information on available services, the responsible agency, and funding sources when serving students in many different housing situations, including for students attending charter schools. Website New York State Summer Food Service Program This website provides information on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). In New York, the Summer Food Service Program is administered in New York by the State Education Department (NYSED). The SFSP provides funding for free meals to students during the summer months when school is out. Children 18 years of age and younger are eligible to participate in SFSP. Persons over 18 years old who are physically or mentally disabled and participating in a public or nonprofit private school program established for children with these disabilities may also participate.

Data Collection and Reporting (Rest of State) Data Collection and Reporting (Rest of State) Presented in Collaboration w/ the Office of Information and Reporting Services Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, local liaisons are required to identify students experiencing homelessness. Collecting data on students in temporary housing provides an opportunity for district liaisons to assess their implementation of the McKinney-Vento Act. Data also provides critical information that can be used to assess the educational development of students experiencing homelessness and design interventions that support learning to ensure academic success. This webinar will provide an opportunity to learn about data sources, the data verification process, and the role of the Student Information Repository System (SIRS) in the data collection process and reporting of students experiencing homelessness. (Please invite your District’s Data Coordinator to participate in this webinar with you.) By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify the importance of collecting data and types of data sources for students in temporary housing. Describe the role of the Office of Information and Reporting Services in the collection of data on students in temporary housing. Summarize the data collection and reporting process as it relates to student in temporary housing. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

BOCES Technical Assistance Sessions The following are BOCES technical assistance presentations. BOCES TA Sessions Top of Page Jump to a Topic BOCES Large Group TA Western Region Group Central Region Group North Country Region Group Long Island Region Group Hudson Region Group Capital Region Group BOCES Large Group TA Statewide BOCES TA Session April 3, 2025, 10:00am – 11:15am Register For Webinar NYSED and NYS TEACHS will continue to provide technical assistance to BOCES as part of our McKinney-Vento Training Initiative for the 2024-2025 school year. This session will take place on April 3, 2025, from 10:00am – 11:15am. This session is designed for BOCES superintendents and McKinney-Vento liaisons to support component districts in addressing the needs of their families experiencing temporary housing. This session will focus on using Title I Part A Set-Aside funds to support the basic needs and close the academic achievement gaps for students in temporary housing. The intended outcomes for this session is to: Provide information on Title I Part A Set Aside, and the process to set aside funds to support students in temporary housing Explore allowable and unallowable uses of Title I funds Discuss ways to support component school districts in the allocation and use of Title I Part A Set Aside funds. McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Western Region Group GROUP 1 April 4, 2025 10am-11:00am REGISTER McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Identification of Students in Temporary Housing 2025 Long Island Region Group GROUP 2 May 16, 2025 10am-11:00am REGISTER McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Identification of Students in Temporary Housing 2025 Hudson Region Group GROUP 3 May 30, 2025 10am-11:00am REGISTER McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Identification of Students in Temporary Housing 2025 North Country Region Group GROUP 4 May 9, 2025 10am-11:00am REGISTER McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Identification of Students in Temporary Housing 2025 Central Region Group GROUP 5 April 25, 2025 10am-11:00am REGISTER McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Identification of Students in Temporary Housing 2025 Capital Region Group GROUP 6 June 6, 2025 10am-11:00am REGISTER McKinney-Vento Training Initiative 2024-2025 Identification of Students in Temporary Housing 2025 BOCES Large Group TA Western Region Group Central Region North Country Region Group Long Island Hudson Capital Region BACK TO TOP

Educators play a critical role in creating a safe and supportive environment that can foster academic success for students experiencing homelessness. School stability is key to support the educational and social-emotional well-being of students. EDUCATORS Educators play a critical role in creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages the academic success of students experiencing homelessness. School stability is key to support the educational and social-emotional well-being of students. Why McKinney-Vento is Important to Educators Teachers play a critical role in creating a classroom environment that is safe and supportive for all students. + Check out resources Signs of Homelessness Among Students Get familiar with the signs most common to students experiencing homelessness. + Learn More Ways Educators Can Help Teachers can play a critical role in the lives of students who are homeless. While McKinney-Vento liaisons bear the local-level legal responsibility for serving students experiencing homelessness, teachers are well-positioned to observe and respond to student needs. + Read More Connecting with Your Liaison Under the McKinney-Vento Act, every local educational agency (LEA) must appoint a local homeless education liaison [42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)]. The local liaison serves as the district’s lead homeless education contact and is required to fulfill the duties of the position as established in the Act. [42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)(A)] If you suspect a student may be homeless, identify the liaison for your district (link here) and ask for help in supporting the student and connecting them with the resources they need. Educate yourself regarding the McKinney-Vento Act and New York State guidance (Ed Law 3209 and the Commissioner’s Regs 100.2 (x)). The liaison may also be able to provide you with professional learning opportunities. + Connect with Your Liaison

View the webinar McKinney-Vento Liaisons: Roles & Responsibilities. McKinney-Vento Liaisons: Roles & Responsibilities All Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), which includes all school districts, charter schools, and BOCES, must designate an appropriate staff person to serve as the McKinney-Vento liaison to help students in temporary housing and their families. This session is designed especially for McKinney Vento liaisons who are new to their role in implementing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Participants will: Become familiar with the role as a McKinney-Vento liaison. Learn about the responsibilities to assist children and families experiencing homelessness. Receive resources to support the work as McKinney-Vento liaison Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint McKinney-Vento Liaison Responsibilities - At a Glance NCHE Brief: Local Homeless Liaisons: Understanding their Role NCHE Brief: Local Homeless Liaisons: Important Information Housing Questionnaire Guide on Data Entry NCHE Brief: Determining Eligibility Brief Early Care & Education Services in NYS for Young Children Experiencing Homelessness Referral Templates for McKinney-Vento Liaisons Referral Templates for McKinney-Vento Liaisons Title 1, Part A: Homeless Set-asides - Allowable & Unallowable Expenditures Order Form for Outreach Materials Sample District Dispute Resolution Policy Appeal Sample Evidence Transportation Guide for Students in Temporary Housing Special Report: Hidden in Plain Sight FAFSA How-to Guide for High School Students FAFSA Resources For more resources on the roles and responsibilities of Liaisons, visit the Liaison page . Back to Professional Learning

Homeless education resources regarding immunizations Immunizations Students are entitled to immediate enrollment in school, even if they don't have their immunization records or any other documentation needed for enrollment. It is the responsibility of the enrolling district to get the records, including immunization records, from the district where the student was last enrolled. The district where the student was last enrolled has five days to forward the records. If a student in temporary housing is missing any immunizations, the student should be referred to the district's McKinney-Vento liaison who must help the student obtain the necessary immunizations. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Laws & Guidance McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, Reauthorized by Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the public education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The text attached here is the latest version of the law since it was reauthorized on December 10, 2015 by Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Guides & Fact Sheets Memo from Dr. Elders regarding Immunizations This memo from former Surgeon General Dr. Elders discusses the importance of immediate enrollment and the harm that otherwise may impact students in temporary housing when they are denied immediate enrollment in school. It also points out that students can be enrolled, without immunization records, without endangering public health. About the Source The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) is a national membership association dedicated to ensuring educational equity and excellence for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Website New York County Public Health Departments Local Departments of Health can provide information about where to find free or low-cost vaccinations. Click the link above for contact information by county. Laws & Guidance New York State Education Law Section 3209, Education of Homeless Children NYS Education Law Section 3209 describes the rights of students in temporary housing in New York State. Important changes to New York Education Law Section 3209 went into effect on April 20, 2017. The changes to this law reflect changes to the federal McKinney-Vento Act that were made under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Below, along with the link to download the new text of the law, you will find a link to a marked-up version of Education Law § 3209 that highlights the changes. Laws & Guidance New York State Public Health Law Section 2164—Immunization This State Public Health Law explains that students have 14 days (which may be extended to 30 days) during which they may attend school while the school is waiting for proof of immunization. Students in temporary housing have additional protections with regard to submitting proof of immunization. Website Puerto Rico Immunization Registry Managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Health, this database allows parents to access copies of their family members’ immunization records. This may be helpful for parents and students who have recently been displaced by Hurricane Maria. Website Recommended Immunization Schedules for Persons Aged 0-18 Years The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) recommended immunization schedule for children and adolescents aged 18 years or younger, updated in 2017. Forms & Templates Referral Templates for McKinney-Vento Liaisons NYS-TEACHS McKinney-Vento Liaisons are required to refer students and families to key services and supports. These supports include early education, health and mental health care, housing, and other appropriate supports. Our template referral lists are intended to help you streamline your referral process and/or provide information that may be needed in a sensitive manner. Please note that these forms don’t replace individualized assistance; they are meant to give you and your families a starting point and summary of local referrals. Website Statewide School Health Services Website The statewide technical support center for School Health Services and nurses. Website The New York State Immunization Information System The New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS) is a registry of immunization information for children and youth 19 years old and younger. The system aims to establish a complete, accurate, secure, real-time immunization medical record that is easily accessible and promotes public health by fully immunizing all individuals appropriate to age and risk. Health care providers have access to the immunization information system. In addition, schools may access the immunization information system for verifying eligibility for admission.

NYS-TEACHS publicantions on homeleless education NYS-TEACHS Publications These resources were created by NYS-TEACHS. Browse them all. Topic Resources View topic by category: Guides & Fact Sheets Check-In Checklist: Connecting with Families During COVID-19 Remote and Hybrid Instruction NYS-TEACHS During COVID-19 remote and hybrid instruction, liaisons are playing a critical role in helping students and families experiencing homelessness meet their basic needs (e.g., food), education-related needs (e.g., remote learning tools), and social-emotional needs (e.g., supportive connections). However, liaisons are reporting that one of the most challenging obstacles during this time is maintaining consistent communication and connection with the students and families that they work with. This “check-in checklist” summarizes some of the strategies liaisons are using in their outreach to families and youth. Forms & Templates Check-In Checklist: Connecting with Families During COVID-19 Remote and Hybrid Instruction NYS-TEACHS During COVID-19 remote and hybrid instruction, liaisons are playing a critical role in helping students and families experiencing homelessness meet their basic needs (e.g., food), education-related needs (e.g., remote learning tools), and social-emotional needs (e.g., supportive connections). However, liaisons are reporting that one of the most challenging obstacles during this time is maintaining consistent communication and connection with the students and families that they work with. This “check-in checklist” summarizes some of the strategies liaisons are using in their outreach to families and youth. Forms & Templates Checklist for NYC Dept of Education School-Based Liaisons NYS-TEACHS This worksheet, created by NYS-TEACHS, is a checklist of responsibilities for NYC Students in Temporary Housing School-Based Liaisons. It is intended for use as an organizational tool for School-Based Liaisons to keep track of activities and resources for serving students in temporary housing. Guides & Fact Sheets Communications Guide for McKinney-Vento Liaisons NYS-TEACHS Centering Anti-Racist Approaches to Conversations with Families and Colleagues McKinney-Vento liaisons are responsible for the identification, enrollment, and the removal of educational barriers for students experiencing homelessness. McKinney-Vento liaisons can create meaningful change in their districts and the lives of students experiencing homelessness by providing internal trainings and connecting students to educational resources and community referrals. Unfortunately, due to systemic racism across many aspects of American life, Black, Latinx, Native American, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities experience homelessness at disproportionate rates compared to white and Asian communities. Systemic racism exists in schools; therefore, it is crucial for McKinney-Vento liaisons to reflect on school protocols and narratives that reinforce racial bias and inequity. Even small intentional changes, such as in our semantics, can have positive effects on family relationships and ultimately, the well-being and success of students. We created this tip sheet to help McKinney-Vento liaisons and other school staff reflect on their own communication styles, race, and how institutional racism impacts students and families. Guides & Fact Sheets Data Entry in the Student Information Repository System (SIRS) for Students Experiencing Homelessness NYS-TEACHS Districts must indicate in their student management systems students who experience homelessness at any point during the year. This guide specifies which codes relate to students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act. Forms & Templates Enrollment Checklist NYS-TEACHS The McKinney-Vento Enrollment Checklist, developed by NYS-TEACHS, outlines steps McKinney-Vento liaisons should take when enrolling students experiencing homelessness. The checklist includes links to key documents and referrals. PDF Guides & Fact Sheets Info-Brief: Trauma-Sensitivity and School Success NYS-TEACHS Students in temporary housing often face challenges that go beyond everyday stress and cross the line into toxic stress and trauma. This info-brief from NYS-TEACHS illustrates how a trauma-sensitive approach can improve academic outcomes for students in temporary housing. It offers examples of the negative impact and behavioral manifestations of trauma as well as strategies for countering those negative impacts through a trauma-sensitive approach. Guides & Fact Sheets Meeting the Unique Learning Needs of Students Exposed to Trauma NYS-TEACHS If you are new to the concept of trauma-sensitivity or want a deeper understanding of how to implement each of trauma-sensitive strategies outlined in our “Matrix of Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for School Success,” this toolkit can help. This detailed toolkit from NYS-TEACHS provides suggestions for HOW to apply various trauma-sensitive strategies and WHY they are necessary to improve academic outcomes for students in temporary housing. Guides & Fact Sheets Quick Tip Sheet Series NYS-TEACHS Our Quick Tip Sheets provide detailed information about the rights of students experiencing homelessness in a one-page format. Each guide is targeted to a specific school role. Forms & Templates Referral Templates for McKinney-Vento Liaisons NYS-TEACHS McKinney-Vento Liaisons are required to refer students and families to key services and supports. These supports include early education, health and mental health care, housing, and other appropriate supports. Our template referral lists are intended to help you streamline your referral process and/or provide information that may be needed in a sensitive manner. Please note that these forms don’t replace individualized assistance; they are meant to give you and your families a starting point and summary of local referrals. Forms & Templates Supporting College Access Checklist NYS-TEACHS This checklist includes strategies McKinney-Vento liaisons and school districts can use to ensure that youth experiencing homelessness have access to college access services and other supports to help ensure that they are ready for post-secondary opportunities. Forms & Templates Template End-of-Year Letter NYS-TEACHS Districts are encouraged to check in with parents whose children are McKinney-Vento eligible (or youth themselves in the case of unaccompanied homeless youth) at the end of each school year to determine whether their housing situation has changed and make appropriate arrangements for the next school year if there has been a change. This template letter can be used to reach out to families for this purpose. Guides & Fact Sheets Tip Sheet: Information Sharing and Student Privacy NYS-TEACHS This tip sheet from NYS-TEACHS provides information about when it is appropriate to share a student’s housing information with school/district staff. It also provides tips for “how” to share that information while still respecting the student’s privacy. Interested in more tip sheets from NYS-TEACHS? See our Quick Tip Sheets series targeted to specific school roles. Guides & Fact Sheets Tip Sheet: Navigating Challenging Conversations NYS-TEACHS This tip sheet from NYS-TEACHS guides the user through best practices for having conversations about housing status with families. We provide best practices for common scenarios. Interested in more tip sheets from NYS-TEACHS? See our Quick Tip Sheets series targeted to specific school roles. Guides & Fact Sheets Transportation Guide for Students in Temporary Housing NYS-TEACHS This chart provides concise information on the transportation rights of students in temporary housing attending school in New York State. It includes information on available services, the responsible agency, and funding sources when serving students in many different housing situations, including for students attending charter schools.

View the webinar Back to School with McKinney-Vento 2023 Back to School with McKinney-Vento 25-26 As our students return to school this fall, more families may need services under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. This webinar is designed to support McKinney-Vento Liaisons fulfill their role and responsibilities in identifying eligible students and providing benefits under the law. This session will review the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as it relates to identification, immediate enrollment and transportation of students experiencing temporary housing. By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Identify the rights of students experiencing temporary housing and the LEA’s responsibility to ensure those rights. Describe the criteria for a student to be eligible for benefits as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Provide the benefits of immediate enrollment and transportation to eligible students. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Top of Page Charter Schools Data & Statistics on Homelessness Determining Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Disaster & Emergency Response Dispute Resolution/Appeal Process Early Childhood Education Enrollment & School Selection Foster Care Free Meals Higher Education & Postsecondary Opportunities Immigrant Students Immunizations McKinney-Vento Grant Program McKinney-Vento Liaisons Privacy of Student Records Special Education STAC-202 Summer School Title I Transportation Unaccompanied Youth Are charter schools considered school districts? No, charter schools are not school districts. However, a charter school is a public school by statute, and it is considered to be a Local Educational Agency (LEA) for the purposes of the McKinney-Vento Act. 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(3); 20 U.S.C § 7801(30)(A). Do students attend charter schools tuition-free? Yes. Is a charter school required to designate a McKinney-Vento liaison? Yes. Because charter schools are considered Local Education Agencies (LEAs) under the McKinney-Vento Act, all charter schools must comply with the McKinney-Vento Act, including the requirement to designate a McKinney-Vento liaison. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii). Is a student in temporary housing entitled to immediate enrollment in a charter school? Yes, if the student meets the eligibility criteria for the charter school and there is space in the school. Students in temporary housing must be enrolled in school, even if they have missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(3)(C)(i)(II). Are charter schools required to set aside a portion of their Title I, Part A funding to serve students who are homeless?" Yes. Charter schools are considered Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, all LEAs that receive Title I funding are required to set aside a portion of those funds for students in temporary housing. 20 U.S.C. §6313 (c)(3)(A)(i)& (c)(3)(C). For more information about Title I, Part A set-asides click here. Who provides transportation to students in temporary housing attending a charter school? In most cases, the school district of origin will be responsible for providing transportation for students in temporary housing if the student attended the charter school prior to becoming homeless. N.Y. Education Law § 3209(2)(h). The Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) may be responsible for transporting the student if DSS placed the student in temporary housing and the student’s family is eligible for Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF). N.Y. Education Law § 3209(4)(a). If the student’s new local school district transports students to and from the charter school, the student also has the option to transfer to the new local school district and receive transportation. For more information, please call the NYS-TEACHS hotline at 800-388-2014 or see the Short Guide to Transportation for Students in Temporary Housing Attending Charter Schools. Are charter schools eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding? Yes, charter schools are considered Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and are eligible to receive McKinney-Vento sub-grant funding. BACK TO TOP