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

Homeless education resources on enrollment and school selection Dispute Resolution/Appeals Process If a family or student in temporary housing and their school district disagree about a student's McKinney-Vento eligibility for enrollment, school selection options, or transportation, the school district may challenge the student's eligibility under McKinney-Vento. To do so, the school district must: Provide written notice to the student or family about the reasons for their disagreement; Provide complete information in writing about the right to appeal to the family or youth; Put the family or youth in touch with the McKinney-Vento liaison for assistance; Provide immediate enrollment and transportation while the appeal is pending and until all available appeals are final. McKinney-Vento disputes and appeals are reviewed and decided by the New York State Education Department. Internal school district dispute and appeal processes cannot be used to exclude a student in temporary housing from school or discontinue the student's McKinney-Vento protections. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources Laws & Guidance LEA Requirements for Implementing McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Dispute Resolution Process NYSED Field Memo All LEAs are required to maintain processes to promptly address disputes related to a child’s eligibility under the McKinney-Vento Act, including, but not limited to, disputes regarding a student’s status as a homeless child or unaccompanied youth, school selection, and transportation. At the initiation of any dispute under this process, the LEA must immediately enroll the child in the school for which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals. Featured Resource View topic by category: Guides & Fact Sheets Appeal Sample Evidence This document provides a list of examples of evidence that a parent, legal guardian, or unaccompanied youth may include in an appeal in order to show that the student is homeless under McKinney-Vento. Website Appeals to the Commissioner Involving Homeless Children and Youth New York State Education Department The New York State Education Department Office of Counsel’s website has instructions and sample forms for McKinney-Vento appeals. School districts must continue enrollment and transportation until the Commissioner gives a final decision on any McKinney-Vento related appeal. The appeal form, also called the Form Notice of Petition, can be found in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. The form should be completed by the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth (with help from the liaison) any time that the parent/guardian or youth wants to challenge a school district’s denial of enrollment and/or transportation under the McKinney-Vento Act. Forms & Templates Dispute 310 Appeal Form of Petition – NEW Form If a family or student in temporary housing and their school district disagree about a student's McKinney-Vento eligibility for enrollment, school selection options, or transportation, the school district may challenge the student's eligibility under McKinney-Vento through the Dispute Resolution 310 process. When a dispute arises, McKinney-Vento liaisons must help the parent or youth appeal to the Commissioner of Education using this form. Forms for Filing an Appeal to the Commissioner Involving Homeless Children and Youth | Office of Counsel (nysed.gov) - https://www.counsel.nysed.gov/appeals/homelessForms Forms & Templates Form for Affidavit of Acceptance of Personal Service by Local Educational Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth New York State Education Department This form should be completed by the LEA liaison or the person who has been designated by the board of education to accept service on behalf of the school district. This form affirms that the individual who completed the form has accepted the petition on behalf of the named respondents in the school district. Forms & Templates Form for Affidavit of Service by Mail by Local Educational Agency Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth This form should be completed by the McKinney-Vento liaison to verify that the individual has been provided with the petition and that the liaison is mailing it to the school district employee who has been designated to accept service on behalf of the school district. Forms & Templates Form for Verification of Receipt and Transmittal of Petition and Materials by Local Educational Agency Liaison New York State Education Department This form should be completed by the LEA liaison and given to the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to verify that the liaison has received the petition and will mail it to the Office of Counsel of the New York State Education Department. Laws & Guidance LEA Requirements for Implementing McKinney-Vento Homeless Student Dispute Resolution Process NYSED Field Memo All LEAs are required to maintain processes to promptly address disputes related to a child’s eligibility under the McKinney-Vento Act, including, but not limited to, disputes regarding a student’s status as a homeless child or unaccompanied youth, school selection, and transportation. At the initiation of any dispute under this process, the LEA must immediately enroll the child in the school for which enrollment is sought, pending resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals. Guides & Fact Sheets List of Legal Services Providers NYS-TEACHS is a technical assistance center and cannot offer legal advice. You may contact the following agencies for legal advice and/or assistance related to the McKinney Vento dispute process. Please note, this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other providers who will also offer legal advice on these issues. 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). Laws & Guidance Navigating McKinney-Vento Disputes Dispute resolution can be one of the more complex LEA responsibilities, requiring the balancing of statutory requirements, SEA and LEA processes, and student needs with clarity and care. This National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) brief complements NCHE’s foundational Dispute Resolution issue brief by offering practical guidance for liaisons and other involved LEA stakeholders overseeing an active dispute. Forms & Templates Sample District Decision Letter New York State Education Department A McKinney-Vento District Decision Letter must be sent by the district when there is a dispute regarding a student’s eligibility under the McKinney-Vento Act. This resource has been updated to reflect the changes made to the McKinney-Vento dispute resolution process under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which went into effect on October 1, 2016. Guides & Fact Sheets Sample District Dispute Resolution Policy New York State Education Department This is a sample policy that school districts may adopt in order to follow the New York State procedure for resolving disputes regarding the McKinney-Vento Act. This resource has been updated to reflect the changes made to the McKinney-Vento dispute resolution process under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which went into effect on October 1, 2016. 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: 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.

An introduction of homelessness and education under the McKinney-Vento Act. HOMELESSNESS & EDUCATION Education is the most important long-term prevention strategy when addressing child and youth homelessness. Recent national research from Chapin Hall found that without a high school diploma or GED, the likelihood of experiencing homelessness increased by 4.5 times, ultimately making this the top risk factor for young adult homelessness. Supporting Students in Temporary Housing The McKinney-Vento Act provides rights and services to homeless children and youth including those who are sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations. + Learn More Homeless Students The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. + Learn More Role of the School School staff work in conjunction with the district-level liaison on behalf of the best interest of homeless children and youth. Students may be identified as eligible for McKinney-Vento designation by school staff and receive services and resources that they are eligible for, such as tutoring or mental health counseling, at the school level. + Learn More Unaccompanied Youth An unaccompanied youth is a homeless child or youth not in the physical custody of their parent or guardian; this includes youth who ran away from home, have been forced from the home by their families , and youth forced to leave their families when the family becomes homeless. + Learn More

Homeless education resources on enrollment and school selection Enrollment & School Selection The federal McKinney-Vento Act and New York Education Law Section 3209 provide important school selection and enrollment protections to preschool-12 students in temporary housing. Parents or unaccompanied youth in temporary housing may have up to three choices to enroll in school. They can choose: The school attended when they were last permanently housed, or The school last attended, even if the student was temporarily housed during that time, or The local school where the student is currently temporarily housed. As soon as a parent or unaccompanied youth makes a school selection decision, the students have the right to immediate enrollment, even if they are missing documents usually required to enroll. Students also have the right to maintain enrollment for the rest of the academic year in which they find permanent housing, even if the new housing is outside of the school district where they attend school. In New York State, students may continue in the same school for an additional year if that year is the student's terminal year in the school (for example, 12th grade). FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Forms & Templates New York State Housing Questionnaire (English) This form is to be completed when a student first enrolls, and any time a change in housing status occurs. There are no wrong answers. This form may be filled out independently, or the McKinney-Vento Liaison can assist. To access a list of McKinney-Vento Liaisons, please visit https://www.nysteachs.org/liaisons Laws & Guidance New York State Housing Questionnaire: MV Liaison Companion Refer to this page when supporting a family. Do not hand this form to families. ✓ Ensure placement of a housing questionnaire within the first few pages of the registration packet (paper or electronic). ✓ NYSED requires implementation and administration of a housing questionnaire at the time of enrollment and upon any change of address. Forms & Templates Sample Enrollment Process for Students in Temporary Housing Every Local Educational Agency (LEA) must ensure that students who are experiencing homelessness are immediately enrolled in school. This is a Sample Enrollment Process that school districts may follow for immediately enrolling students experiencing homelessness. 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. Forms & Templates STAC-202 Form - (English) New York State Education Department The STAC-202 form indicates that a student has been designated as homeless, and specifies the name of the district the student will be attending. It is also used by local districts to request reimbursement from NYSED for the costs of education a temporarily housed student who moves into the district from another school district in New York State. In accordance with Federal and State legislation, all personally identifiable information (PII) must be sent to the STAC Unit via one of the following approved modes of transmission: SED File Transfer Manager (FTM): Sign Up for access to SED File Transfer Manager here. Log in here. Fax to (518) 402-5047, with notification to the recipient of when the information will be sent. US Mail 1st Class/Priority, or with another service with tracking (UPS, DHL, or FedEx). Forms & Templates STAC-202 Form - (Spanish) New York State Education Department The STAC-202 form indicates that a student has been designated as homeless, and specifies the name of the district the student will be attending. It is also used by local districts to request reimbursement from NYSED for the costs of education a temporarily housed student who moves into the district from another school district in New York State. In accordance with Federal and State legislation, all personally identifiable information (PII) must be sent to the STAC Unit via one of the following approved modes of transmission: SED File Transfer Manager (FTM): Sign Up for access to SED File Transfer Manager here. Log in here. Fax to (518) 402-5047, with notification to the recipient of when the information will be sent. US Mail 1st Class/Priority, or with another service with tracking (UPS, DHL, or FedEx). Guides & Fact Sheets NCHE Brief: School Selection This brief is designed to be used in conjunction with NCHE’s Guiding the Discussion on School Selection brief, which provides practical suggestions for determining the school that is in a homeless student’s best interest to attend, and discussing school selection choices with homeless parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth. Guides & Fact Sheets NCHE Brief : Guiding the Discussion on School Selection This brief is designed to be used in conjunction with NCHE’s School Selection brief, which explains the basic rights included in the McKinney-Vento Act related to school selection, and offers strategies for linking homeless students to services in their school of origin or for helping homeless students transition to a new school. 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. 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 Enrolling Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness in School This NCHE brief describes common enrollment barriers experienced by students in homeless situations, summarizes the key school enrollment provisions included in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and suggests strategies for ensuring the immediate school enrollment and full school participation of McKinney-Vento-eligible students. Guides & Fact Sheets Identifying Children and Youth in Homeless Situations This NCHE brief: summarizes the key provisions of Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act related to the identification of children and youth experiencing homelessness; and provides an overview of implementation strategies at the state and local levels. 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). 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 Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths United States Department of Education On March 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) revised the Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program. This revised Non-Regulatory Guidance replaces the July 2016 Guidance and includes new questions and answers on the amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act made by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which took effect on October 1, 2016, and new technical assistance on promising practices for implementing homeless education requirements at the State and local levels. Website McKinney Vento Billing This Field Memo provides information about when a district can directly bill another district for tuition for a student who was homeless and has become permanently housed; and what documentation a district should submit to another district when requesting such reimbursement.

COVID-19 & Student Homelessness Q&A COVID-19 & Student Homelessness Q&A Compiled by NYS-TEACHS: March 2020 - June 2021 Jump to: Academics and Testing Charter Schools Collaboration and Communication Among and Between Schools and School Districts Data and Reporting Enrollment of Students Experiencing Homelessness Food Resources Funding and Use of Funds (Title I and McKinney-Vento) Key Resources Mental Health and Wellness Resources Outreach, Identification, and Communicating with Students and Families Public Benefits, Housing, and Other Resources Special Education Technology, Internet Access, and Remote Learning More Questions Academics and Testing One of my students in temporary housing was scheduled to take the TASC (formerly GED). What can they do? The TASC exam has been canceled due to COVID-19, but students can still earn a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma if they: are enrolled in an approved HSE Program, have already passed at least 3 Regents exams and/or TASC sub-tests, and for the remaining 2 sub-tests, earn a passing grade in their corresponding HSE classes. Students in HSE programs can use any combination of prior Regents exam scores, COVID-19 Regents exam exemptions, and passing TASC sub-tests to earn an HSE diploma. Students who are currently enrolled in an HSE program are eligible for the COVID-19 Regents exam exemptions, discussed above, which can be used towards an HSE diploma. For more background about the Regents-HSE pathway, please see this NYSED resource . Changes to graduation requirements due to COVID-19: Course requirements have not changed due to COVID-19. However, Regents exams have been cancelled in June & August 2020 and in January, June, and August 2021. Graduation requirements for Regents exams have also changed for students planning on taking one or more of the exams. For more information, visit NYSED January 2021 FAQ and June & August 2021 FAQ . If a student in temporary housing needs help accessing remote learning (e.g., getting a laptop/iPad/Chromebook, accessing the internet, or getting printed assignments), how will this impact their grades? First off, every effort should be made to ensure that students in temporary housing have access to remote learning as soon as possible. Contact the McKinney-Vento liaison in the school district for help (in NYC, see here ). For more information, about accessing remote learning see Technology, Internet Access, and Remote Learning. Each school district determines its own grading policy. Some school districts, including the New York City Department of Education, have said that attendance during the period of remote learning will not be a factor in students’ grades. Additionally, the federal McKinney-Vento Act requires that school districts update their policies to ensure that they address barriers due to absences that students experiencing homelessness face. 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(I). For more information about grading policies, contact your local school district. Charter Schools What resources are available to students in temporary housing who attend charter schools? Can they request an iPad from the DOE if they are in NYC? The NYC Charter School Center has created a COVID-19 Resource Center with information for charters schools throughout NYS. Students in temporary housing in NYC who attend a charter school can request an iPad from the student’s school. Remote Learning Device Request . Collaboration and Communication Among and Between Schools and School Districts How should I coordinate with neighboring districts to serve students who are temporarily housed outside of the district where they attend school? When a student is temporarily housed outside of the district, the liaison is encouraged to coordinate with the liaison where the student is living to ensure that the student is getting the support they need, while being mindful of the student’s privacy rights (see our Information Sharing and Student Privacy Tip Sheet ). For example, the liaison where the student is enrolled could reach out to the liaison in the school district where the student is living to get information about school meals, food resources, and other supports, and share that information with the student. Note: districts are allowed to provide grab and go meals to students who are not enrolled in the district, if they have applied for such waivers. Contact information for McKinney-Vento liaisons is available on our Liaison Search page . I need help contacting someone at NYC Department of Education (DOE) regarding a student in temporary housing. How can I reach them? The contact information for the DOE’s Students in Temporary Housing Regional Managers can be found here . An online directory of other STH staff supporting students in temporary housing in NYC is available at bit.ly/STHStaff . MetroCards for parents in temporary housing to accompany their children (3K-6th grade) to school are available from the school. Schools can request parent MetroCards by emailing publicschoolmetrocards@schools.nyc.gov . Data and Reporting Many families are moving around due to the pandemic. How should we proceed with McKinney-Vento eligibility determinations and related database updates? Should we and can we continue to make updates about students’ housing status? During remote and hybrid instruction, it is crucial to keep students’ housing status information as up-to-date as possible. This will ensure that staff can continue to effectively reach out to students and families. As always, a Housing Questionnaire should be given to all students/families any time they report a change of address. LEAs are expected to continue to update address information and data on students experiencing homelessness, even when families are participating in fully remote instruction. In NYC, the Housing Questionnaire can be filled digitally/remotely. After verifying the information, new address and housing status information can be entered on the BIOU (Biographical Information Update) screen in ATS. In addition, school secretaries, principals and other school staff with ATS access can remotely access ATS and generate address reports (RATH and RADR) that include information about temporary housing status. For questions, email STHInfo@schools.nyc.gov . For more information on ATS, BIOU, and how to generate address reports please see our ATS Guide for Students in Temporary Housing: Manual for School Staff. Enrollment of Students Experiencing Homelessness How do we enroll new students if the school building or district office is closed? While school buildings are closed, districts must immediately enroll students experiencing homelessness and connect them with the remote learning activities being offered by the district and services like free meals. Many districts have conducted enrollment online and/or over the phone. For help with enrollment, contact the McKinney-Vento liaison for the school district. Remember: Students can remain enrolled in the same school/school district when they become homeless, consistent with their best interests. They do not have to transfer schools/school districts. Can we continue enrollment and remote learning for students in temporary housing who have moved outside of NYS during the pandemic? Yes. During these uncertain times, many students and families are temporarily doubled up outside of New York State. Students in temporary housing continue to have important school stability rights, even when temporarily housed outside state boundaries. In addition, under New York State law, protections for students in temporary housing continue through the end of the year in which the student finds permanent housing, and possibly for one additional year if that is the student’s last year in the school building. This means that during COVID-19 related school closures, school districts should continue to provide remote learning support to students who meet these criteria and who want to maintain school stability, even if they are housed outside of New York. NYS Education Law limits transportation to 50 miles for students in temporary housing in most cases. This limitation only applies to transportation not enrollment. Should we prioritize students in temporary housing who want to transition from fully remote learning to hybrid/ fully in person learning even if we have a wait list? Yes, under New York State Education Law 3209 districts are required to remove barriers “ to the identification of, or the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of, homeless children and youths.” If remote learning is creating a barrier for a student in temporary housing your district should assist remove the barrier by transitioning them to hybrid/ fully in person learning as soon as possible. Furthermore, many districts submitted COVID-19 reopening plans to NYSED which included language about prioritizing special populations for hybrid/ fully in person learning including students in temporary housing. Your district may already have guidance on this issue. Food Resources What food resources are available for students in temporary housing? NYS Grab and Go meals during remote instruction: Most school districts in NYS are offering grab and go meals to families. For pick-up locations, visit your local school district’s website. Many districts are also coordinating deliveries for families who are unable to pick-up meals. Grab and Go and Summer Meal Locations: To find the grab and go or summer meal locations, text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877 Flexibility for food providers: This NYSED Memo has information about a wide range of flexibility waivers that have been approved for schools providing food. Hunger Solutions NY is regularly posting updates here . In addition, flexibility waivers have been extended through June 30, 2022, allowing summer meal sponsors to operate open sites in all areas, through the National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option, which is typically only available during the summer months. More information can be found on the USDA’s website .Program sponsors should contact their Child Nutrition representative at New York State Education Department (NYSED) with questions or for further guidance. Food pantries: Families in need should also be referred to local food pantries and given information about SNAP (see below ). P-EBT Benefits: Families with school children who were eligible for free and reduced lunch when buildings closed in March are eligible to receive additional food benefits on their EBT card. P-EBT benefits can be used for up to one year, will not trigger public-charge status, and are available even if the family participates in the grab-and-go meal program. For more information, please visit OTDA’s information page here . NYC Free meals are available to children and adults in 200 sites across the city for pickup from 3 – 5pm on school days. No documentation is required and children do not need to be present to pick up meals. Families can also have meals delivered to them (see below.) To find the closest Meal Hub, see here OR Text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 877-877. They should text their street address and borough. Other NYC food resources: Get Food NYC has information about free food delivery, signing up for SNAP, and a map of free food resources including food pantries and Grab & Go Meal Hubs. NYC Food Pantry Locator Food Bank NYC is giving out free meals, groceries and SNAP support. Spanish speaking families may use this interactive map . Coronavirus NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides from Hunter College’s NYC Food Policy Center provide local food resources for the 59 NYC community districts. Mutual Aid has a forum to request grocery deliveries, medication and other necessities. Invisible Hands organizes volunteers across the city to deliver groceries, medication, and other necessities to elderly and otherwise at-risk residents. The Neighborhood Opportunity Network Nutrition Kitchens provide bags of food as well as nutrition information and cooking demonstrations. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps: SNAP offers electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food for people who are low-income. Eligibility and benefit levels are based on household size, income, and other factors. You can apply online at myBenefits.ny.gov . Automatic eligibility extensions and expanded benefits have recently been added to the program for many households. For more information contact your local department of social services or SNAP Center or SNAP Outreach Provider . For information about using Title I or McKinney-Vento grant funding for emergency food for students and families, see here . Funding and Use of Funds (Title I and McKinney-Vento) If districts were unable to spend their Title I funding in SY19-20 due to school closures, will they be allowed to carryover funds into SY20-21? Yes. NYSED has requested and received approval from the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to provide LEAs with waivers of certain provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA), as authorized by The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. LEAs may carry over up to 100% of 2019-20 Title I, Part A funds to use during the 2020- 21 school year to meet new identified needs without submitting a waiver request to NYSED. For more information, please see: Guidance on Federal Funds Impacted by COVID-19 (Page 2) Flexibility in the Use of Funds Associated with Approved 2019-20 Consolidated Applications for ESSA-Funded Programs During District and School Closures due to COVID-19 (Page 2) And for more information on permissible uses of Title I funds, please see this NYSED Guidance memo. How much flexibility is there in Title I spending to support students in temporary housing during periods of remote learning? Title I, Part A funds may be used to provide a wide variety of services to homeless students including those that may not ordinarily be provided to other Title I students. During the COVID-19 related hybrid/remote learning, this may include technology for remote learning, paper packets for home instruction, math manipulatives, or books, just to name a few examples. For more information, see NYSED’s Title I, Part A: Homeless Set-Aside, Guidance on Allowable and Unallowable Expenditures ; U.S. Department of Education’s Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance , Sections H and M. For specific questions about uses of Title I funds, contact conappta@nysed.gov . Can school districts use Title I homeless set-aside funds or McKinney-Vento grant funds to buy remote learning devices (laptops, Chromebooks, hotspots, etc.)? Yes. Access to technology is critical to ensuring that students experiencing homelessness can fully participate in remote learning activities being offered by a school district, charter school, or BOCES while school buildings are closed. Note that Title I homeless set-aside funds may be used to provide services to students experiencing homelessness that may not ordinarily be provided to other students. For more information, please see: Q12 of the NYSED Memo on Flexibility in the Use of Funds Associated with Approved 2019-20 Consolidated Applications for ESSA-Funded Programs During District and School Closures due to COVID-19 . NYSED’s Title I, Part A: Homeless Set-Aside, Guidance on Allowable and Unallowable Expenditures U.S. Department of Education’s Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance , Sections H and M. For specific questions about uses of Title I funds, contact conappta@nysed.gov . For questions about uses of McKinney-Vento grant funds, contact melanie.faby@nysed.gov . Can school districts use Title I homeless set-aside funds or McKinney-Vento grant funds to buy prepaid cell phones so that families and students experiencing homelessness can communicate with teachers and school district staff? It depends on the situation. If the cell phone is necessary to ensure that the student experiencing homelessness can participate fully in school activities (e.g., the cell phone is the only way the teacher can communicate with the student or the student needs internet access and the cell phone is going to be used as a hotspot), then it may be an allowable expense. In other words, if the cell phone is “reasonable and necessary to assist homeless students to take advantage of educational opportunities,” and there is no other source of device/internet access available through the school district (e.g. mobile hotspots, Chromebooks, internet enabled iPads), then using Title I funds may be allowable per the U.S. Department of Education’s Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance , see Question M-4. If the school district or BOCES has a McKinney-Vento grant and the purchase of the cell phone is consistent with the grant activities and it is deemed essential (e.g., the cell phone will be used as a hotspot) and there is no other source, then it may be allowable. For specific questions about uses of Title I funds, contact conappta@nysed.gov . For questions about uses of McKinney-Vento grant funds, contact melanie.faby@nysed.gov . Can Title I homeless set-aside funds or McKinney-Vento grant funds be used for emergency food for students who are homeless while schools are closed? Title I set-aside funds can be used for meals that are supplemental to the meals the school district is required to provide. Many districts are providing meals to students during school closures and will be reimbursed for such meals. If the school district has students who are homeless and are food insecure even with the school meals, districts may use Title I homeless set-aside funding or McKinney-Vento grant funding for emergency food for students who are homeless. See Q13 in this NYSED Memo on Flexibility in the Use of Funds Associated with Approved 2019-20 Consolidated Applications for ESSA-Funded Programs During District and School Closures due to COVID-19 . Key Resources How can I stay updated with the latest COVID-19 news and resources for students and families experiencing homelessness? Please see the following list: New York State Education Department’s COVID-19 webpage NYS-TEACHS COVID-19 Updates News Feed NYC Back-to-School Resources Webpage (NYS-TEACHS): Webpage + Printable 1-pager in English and Spanish NYC Department of Education’s Return to School page and Remote Learning Devices FAQ SchoolHouse Connection’s COVID-19 and Homelessness: Strategies for Schools, Early Learning Programs, and Higher Education Institutions Additional COVID-19 related resources from NYS-TEACHS include: Tips for McKinney-Vento Liaisons: COVID-19 and Student Homelessness: This resource provides strategies and resources you can use to support the health and well-being of students, families, and yourself (i.e. self-care). You don’t have to be a liaison to use this resource; most of the tips are applicable to anyone working with students and families. Archived Webinars on COVID-19 and Students in Temporary Housing: You can find recordings of our 2020 back-to-school webinars as well as the PPTs and other related handouts here in our WEBINAR ARCHIVE . – NYS Presentation: 9/10/20 Back-to-School & COVID-19 Resources – NYC Presentations – 9/24/20 DV Shelter Providers, Part II – 9/24/20 DHS Shelter Providers, Part II – 9/02/20 Preparing Families for the First Day of School (DV Providers) – 9/01/20 Preparing Families for the First Day of School (DHS) Check-In Checklist: Connecting with Families During COVID-19 School Closures: During COVID-19 school-building closures, liaisons report that one of the most challenging obstacles 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 can use in their outreach to families and youth. Mental Health and Wellness Resources What mental health resources are available to students and families? To speak with someone who will listen and help: NYS: Contact Office of Mental Health Emotional Support Line (1-844-863-9314) . See the New York State Office of Mental (OMH) Health Program Directory for more information. NYC: ContactNYC-Well (1-888-692-9355) Also, there are several resources available online to families in this difficult time: Guide to Helping Families Cope with Coronavirus (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network) Talking to Children About COVID-19 (National Association of School Psychologists) Healthy & Ready to Learn: COVID-19 What You Need to Know MENTOR’s Tips for maintaining connection with young people during a time of social distancing Please see our Tips for McKinney-Vento Liaisons: COVID-19 and Student Homelessness for additional ways you can support the health and well-being of students and families. How can I support a family who has lost a loved one? If a family shares they have lost a loved one as a result of COVID-19, the best response is a trauma-sensitive one in which the family feels validated and listened to. The NYS Office of Mental Health published this infographic with 10 Tips for Helping Others Grieve , which has the following suggestions: Immediately acknowledge the loss. Reach out to say, “I am so sorry for your loss.” Don’t be nervous. It doesn’t matter if you know the bereaved or the deceased well, just reach out. Do not minimize the loss or try to “take away” the pain. Avoid statements like: “He/she is in a better place” or “I know how you feel.” Know that grief is not linear. People often cycle between the different stages of grieving. Focus on the person grieving. Don’t compare your experiences. Allow the person to navigate their own grief. Don’t judge how the bereaved is reacting. Everyone grieves differently. There is nothing wrong with how they are feeling or coping. Don’t rush the process. Everyone grieves at a different pace. There is no timeline to “move on” or “get over it”. Allow for crying and silences. Expressing emotions is healthy. Resist the urge to fill silence with words. Lend a helping hand. Instead of saying, “Let me know how I can help,” tell them what you will do. For example: “I’ll be by to mow your lawn on Tuesday.” People who are grieving often forget to take care of themselves. Have groceries delivered or send a gift basket with items to help them take care of their basic needs. Outreach, Identification, and Communicating with Students and Families How can my school or school district continue to identify and support families experiencing homelessness while NYS schools are taking a hybrid or fully-remote approach to instruction? While the way in which the McKinney-Vento Act is implemented must be modified to fit the demands of the current pandemic, the law continues to be in effect. Identifying families experiencing homelessness is crucial during this crisis, as we expect new families and youth to experience homelessness. It continues to be the local educational agency’s (school district, charter school, or BOCES) responsibility to identify families experiencing homelessness. Communicating with school and district staff about the importance of flagging students in temporary housing and referring them to the McKinney-Vento liaison is a top priority. This not only helps with the identification of families experiencing homelessness, but also ensures students are provided with the additional support. Strategies and Tips: If a student/parent indicates they have moved, are sharing the housing of someone else, or are staying outside of their home, review the Housing Questionnaire with them and explore whether there has been change in housing status. Make sure school staff know to contact the McKinney-Vento liaison if they suspect a student may be experiencing homelessness. Possible signs include: the student is not regularly participating in remote learning, the student loses access to the internet, the student/parent shares that they are struggling financially (e.g., job loss), the student/parent shares that they are food insecure. Make sure families know where to pick up grab-and-go school meals and are aware of other food resources in the community. More information regarding food resources can be found in the Food Resources section. Make sure students have access to remote learning devices (you can use Title I funds! See Funding and Use of Funds below.) Include flyers and information regarding McKinney-Vento with Grab-and-Go meals or with other items most commonly distributed to students and families. NYS-TEACHS has a new resource called “Check-in Checklist: Communicating with Families during COVID-19 Remote and Hybrid Instruction . ” The checklist can help your district identify the key areas of needed support and target resources/funds appropriately. Attendance Works has a new resource called “Strategies for Connecting with Students and Families .” It provides specific strategies and actions that you can take to get in touch with families who may not regularly be connecting with school. What support is available for parents who may be struggling to assist their children with remote learning? NYS: Some school districts have set up technical support infolines, and others have designated staff members to help parents and students with these issues. Reach out to your McKinney-Vento liaison f or more information about local resources. NYC: Students who have received an iPad from the NYC Department of Education may visit the Getting Started with Your iPad webpage for technical support or see this DOE FAQ . There are also many remote learning resources available online, such as: Activities for Students created by the DOE Supplemental Remote Learning Resources created by the DOE PBS – “Let’s Learn NYC” video series: Designed for3-K through 2nd grade and applicable for all of NYS. COVID-19 Remote Learning Resources from the NYC Charter School Center I don’t have access to a work cell phone. How can I conduct outreach to students and families in temporary housing without sharing my personal phone number? McKinney-Vento liaisons have used the following strategies to communicate with students and families without sharing their person phone numbers: Enter *67 to block your number before dialing out Use a Google Voice or Skype number Forward your work phone if you can Can a liaison or other school district administrator release the names of students experiencing homelessness to other school staff to help support those who may be struggling at this time? Yes. It is appropriate for the liaison to share information about which students are experiencing homelessness with other school staff if the purpose of sharing the information is to help them support the needs of these students (e.g., identify which students may need a laptop or hotspot and provide them with those devices, support with food and other resources). Wherever possible, the liaison should ask for and receive permission from the parent and/or student (in the case of older students) before sharing any information about the student’s housing status with other school staff. There is a lot of stigma associated with housing loss, and no one wants sensitive personal information being shared behind their back. Note: In most situations, the liaison or any other school district staff member may NOT share information about a student’s housing status or McKinney-Vento eligibility with a third party (e.g., non-school staff, including other students) without the parent’s consent. While community support is encouraged at this time, schools should always consult with families before releasing any private information. For more information on student privacy please visit our Information Sharing and Student Privacy Tip Sheet. I work for a school district. How can I get in contact with families who are not accessible via phone or email? If the family is in shelter: NYS: Contact the director of temporary assistance at the local department of social services and request that they pass along a message to the parent. Because of privacy considerations, they won’t be able to confirm the whereabouts of the family without consent from the parent, but they may be able share your contact information with the parent. NYC: Contact STHinfo@schools.nyc.gov , your Students in Temporary Housing (STH) Regional Manager , or the STH staff member assigned to the shelter available at bit.ly/STHStaff for help. If the family is doubled-up or in another temporary housing arrangement that is not a shelter , McKinney-Vento liaisons have used the following strategies: Sending written updates with grab-and-go meal deliveries Asking the student or parent if there is a friend or relative with an email address or cell phone that school staff can use to reach them. Tip: you may be able to use Title I funds to provide a prepaid cell phone for a student/parent. For more info, see here Sharing school updates and messages on social media (eg: FaceBook and Instagram). You may also be able to connect with a family via “direct message” on a social media platform Asking a trusted school-based staff member (eg: social worker, guidance counselor or teacher) if they know how to contact the student or parent Partnering with community-based organizations to share info if the student or parent provides permission, while staying mindful of privacy protections For NYC Department of Education staff, see this guide to Reaching Students in Temporary Housing (STH) During Covid-19 School Closures for more information. I am a teacher and want to offer additional support to my students who may be experiencing homelessness. How can I find out which of my students have been identified as homeless? NYS: You should reach out to your district’s McKinney-Vento liaison . They should have access to this information or should be able to connect you with the school district official who has remote access to the district’s student management system with this information. NYC: Information about housing status is maintained in the NYC Department of Education’s ATS system. School principals and other school staff can remotely access ATS and generate address reports (RATH and RADR) that include information about temporary housing status. For questions, email STHInfo@schools.nyc.gov and see this guide to Reaching Students in Temporary Housing (STH) During Covid-19 School Closures for more information. Before reaching out to parents or students in temporary housing please see our Information Sharing and Student Privacy Tip Sheet. How can I maintain a family or student’s confidentiality while working from home in a shared space? In these challenging times of working from home, the lack of space is a serious issue for students in temporary housing and staff alike. If possible, try to find a remote space or inform families and student’s of your challenges. For more information on this topic, see Scenario 8 in the U.S. Department of Education’s presentation on FERPA & Virtual Learning During COVID-19 , and for more information on student privacy in general please see our Information Sharing and Student Privacy Tip Sheet. Is it appropriate for a liaison to use a group text message, to use shared platforms like WhatsApp or to ask teachers to communicate through Google Classroom to reach out to students in temporary housing, families, and unaccompanied youth? Privacy laws are still in full effect, and information about the living situation of students in temporary housing (e.g., address, temporary housing status) may not be disclosed without parental consent. School district staff should be careful not to share personally identifiable information and to protect students’ privacy and safety when communicating with others. Group text messages, shared platforms or group emails should only be used if you are able to hide names, numbers and email addresses of students. Our colleagues at SchoolHouse Connection recommend an app called REMIND ; it allows for group contact without sharing individual contact information. For more information about student privacy protections for students in temporary housing here’s a great 2-page fact sheet about privacy rights and homelessness. Can schools and districts share information related to COVID-19 exposure in the school community if that information impacts a student or family? The U.S. Department of Education recently released guidance about student privacy in the context of COVID-19. In the vast majority of cases, school districts must not share personally identifiable information about students without prior consent. For examples and Q&A about limited situations when information can be shared without prior consent, please see the Student Privacy Policy Office’s Frequently Asked Questions . The U.S. Department of Education’s Student Privacy Policy Office (SPPO) responds to FERPA-related questions school officials may have: FERPA@ed.gov or (202) 260-3887. Additional information can be found on their website . How can I best support unaccompanied youth during the pandemic? Outreach to unaccompanied youth is especially important during this crisis. Liaisons should ensure that they or others from the district are regularly checking in with unaccompanied youth to see if they have a safe place to stay and for how long they think they can remain there, as well as checking in on their education and health/wellness needs. As a starting point, check-out this memo from SchoolHouse Connection, the Hope Center, and the Juvenile Law Center about supporting unaccompanied youth in college with a wide range of services, available here . Here are some additional resources you may want to provide: NYS: Directory of Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) shelters and services is available here . NYC: Information about drop-in centers and shelter options in NYC are included in The Door’s COVID resource guide, available here . Support for youth with their college plans: Liaisons should continue to talk with unaccompanied youth about their plans for college and must provide verification of independent youth status for purposes of the FAFSA. For a sample verification letter, see here . For more information see our College Access Checklist and SchoolHouse Connection’s Five Strategies to Help Homeless Youth Transition to College During COVID-19 . Information for youth about available federal stimulus payments: Unaccompanied youth may be eligible for federal stimulus grants if they are not claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return. For more information, see this Fact Sheet on Stimulus Payments and Homeless Youth from SchoolHouse Connect, National Network for Youth, and Baker McKenzie, and SchoolHouse Connection’s FAQ on this topic . Please see our Tips for McKinney-Vento Liaisons: COVID-19 and Student Homelessness for additional ways you can support the health and well-being of students, including unaccompanied youth who may need a higher level of connection and support during this time. Are there specific strategies that rural schools can use to support students in temporary housing? Students in rural areas may not have reliable access to transportation, internet, and/or other tools needed to stay in contact with their local school. It can be a real challenge for schools and districts to connect with these students and families in order to provide needed services. Here are few resources that offer creative solutions: NYS-TEACHS’ Tips for McKinney-Vento Liaisons: COVID-19 and Student Homelessness , which includes outreach strategies that may be helpful to rural communities. SchoolHouse Connection’s online FAQs also includes tips and strategies that rural districts across the country are using now to serve students during school closures. A pre-pandemic transportation strategies resource about planning free meal distribution during school closures. For example, many school districts in New York State use existing bus routes, within and across districts, to help with food delivery. Regarding free meals, this NYSED Memo includes information about available waivers and flexible solutions for school districts to ensure that no student goes hungry. Additionally, “Hunger Solutions New York” regularly posts updates here . How can NYC school staff and STH Family Assistants support school engagement/attendance for students in shelter? For information about how school staff and STH staff can work together to support school attendance/engagement/interaction, see the NYC DOE’s guide on Reaching Students in Temporary Housing (STH) During Covid-19 School Closures . How can districts prepare for increases in homelessness – and needs related to homelessness – as the economic situation takes a toll on communities? It is very possible that school districts will see an increase in need among students experiencing homelessness as a result of the pandemic. Liaisons and other school staff are encouraged to stay in regular contact with families already identified as McKinney-Vento eligible as well as those who may be at risk of homelesssness. This ongoing communication will help you understand the level of need and target your resources appropriately. Here are few suggestions to get you started: NYS-TEACHS has a new resource called “Check-in Checklist: Communicating with Families during COVID-19 Remote and Hybrid Instruction. ” The checklist can help your district identify the key areas of needed support and target resources/funds appropriately. McKinney-Vento Liaisons should reach out to their district’s Title I Directors, Principals, and Business Administrators to discuss the anticipated needs of students in temporary housing and provide input about setting budgets for next year. Talk with students and families about the public benefits that are available to support them during this time. Public Benefits, Housing, and Other Resources 1. Where can I find local resources for families? Liaisons play a crucial role helping students and families in temporary housing with needed services and available benefits. Liaisons can also help families at risk of homelessness and those who have recently found permanent housing, by sharing important information about public benefits like food support, cash assistance, medical benefits and more. Here are some places to start: For general information and referrals, use NYS-TEACHS templates to develop local referral lists . Start by looking at this Guide to finding local resources, such as who to contact to apply for public benefits (cash assistance, SNAP, HEAP), health insurance, and housing. When creating a referral list, be sure to include information about revised hours and new protocols due to COVID-19. Many offices are closed but they are still doing business by telephone or online, including processing applications for benefits and services. Unemployment Assistance: for information visit the NYS Department of Labor . Housing Information Housing protections, eviction prevention services, public housing and more, see NYS Homes and Community Renewal’s COVID-19 Helpful Links and FAQs . Section 8 and Public Housing: Families who experience a loss of income can request a rent reduction. Families should contact the local housing authority for more information. In NYC, visit NYCHA’s Self-Service Portal or call the Customer Contact Center: (718) 707-7771. Eviction Protections/Eviction Moratorium: The federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued guidelines protecting some renters from eviction. Resources related to the ending of the Eviction Moratorium, including rent relief resources and tips for supporting families at risk for loss of housing, can be found on the NYS-TEACHS website . Emergency Rental Housing Assistance (ERAP): NYS will begin accepting applications on June 1, 2021. This program serves to provide economic relief to low to moderate- income households at risk of homelessness or housing instability. More information can be found on the OTDA website . The NYS Tenant Safe Harbor Act also protects some renters from eviction. Contact your local legal service provider for more information about these protections. For information about housing court in NYC, contact Housing Court Answers at (212) 962-4795. In NYC: NYC COVID-19 Citywide Information Portal: Resources for New Yorkers and NYC 311 COVID-19 Resources and Support have information about employment resources (including unemployment assistance), food, health/medical assistance, financial assistance, rent arrears/ housing/public assistance, health and wellness, emotional support/spiritual care, and other assistance. For help with a legal issue or applying for public benefits, call Legal Services NYC Access Line at 917-661-4500. 2. How can I support immigrant students and their families during the pandemic, especially if they are undocumented? All school age children and youth are entitled to a free public education in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, based on a Supreme Court case called Plyer v. Doe. Outside of education, there have been important changes affecting undocumented immigrants during the pandemic. If you are working with undocumented students and families who have immigration questions, please help them stay in contact with an immigration attorney or expert. The organization Protect Immigrant Families has online updates about COVID-19 and immigration, including a reference guide about public benefits that students and families may be eligible for. You can also search here for local referrals in your community. In New York City, students, families and advocates can get more information and updates related to immigration here . Special Education Can IEP meetings be held when school buildings are closed? Yes. IEP meetings can be held virtually. Many schools are conducting IEPs over the phone, web-camera or via video conference. How should special education services be delivered virtually? The U.S. Department of Education has provided guidance and the New York State Education Department has issued several guidance memos on this question. In general, school districts are still required to provide students with a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”), but they have flexibility in how they provide virtual special education services, including related services (e.g., speech, occupational therapy/OT, physical therapy/PT, counseling). However, the services must still be individualized to each student. Technology, Internet Access, and Remote Learning 1. How can schools support students in temporary housing who do not have access to remote learning devices? NYS: School districts are distributing laptops, tablets, and hotspots to students so that they can access distance learning. Title I, Part A set-asides and McKinney-Vento grant funding can be used to pay for devices and/or wi-fi hotspots if they are not otherwise available for students in temporary housing. NYC: To request an iPad, contact the student’s school directly. More information, see the DOE iPad Requests webpage and the DOE’s Remote Learning Devices FAQs , which includes information about the distribution schedule and tech trouble-shooting. For a short guide on iPad’s for school based liaisons please this school based liaisons learning series. Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB): EBB recipients can receive up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 towards the purchase price. You must be EBB eligible to receive the discount. Visit the FCC’s website for more info. 2. How can schools support students in temporary housing who do not have internet access? Free internet: Many internet providers are offering free internet service. See this list of Providers Offering Free Wi-Fi or Special Accommodations. Note that some students/families can’t access these offers because they have an outstanding bill (although these restrictions have largely been lifted in NYC ). Funding for hotspots: For students and families who can’t access one of the free internet offers, schools may use Title I or McKinney-Vento grant funds to provide internet hotspots to students. For more information about uses of Title I and McKinney-Vento grant funds, see below . Mobile hotspots: Some districts have set up mobile hotspots using district buses or vans which are then parked in school parking lots or other community areas; the district shares information about where the vehicles will be parked so that multiple families can drive to that area and access the hotspot. Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB): The EBB can provide up to $50/month towards broadband service to eligible households and up to $75/month for those living on tribal lands. Visit FCC’s website for more info. NYC: As noted above, all students in temporary housing enrolled in NYC public schools can request an iPad that comes with internet access. Please note that the iPads may also be used as hotspots for connection to other devices without internet connection. To request an iPad, reach out directly to the student’s school. DOE’s Find a School option will help find the school’s contact information. For more information, see the DOE iPad Distribution webpage and the DOE’s Remote Learning FAQs . For a short guide on iPad’s for school based liaisons please this school based liaisons learning series. 3. Can I still request an iPad for a student in temporary housing in NYC? How can I find out when a NYC student in temporary housing will receive an iPad? You can still request an iPad with internet access for a student in temporary housing in NYC. Families are now to request a device directly from their student’s school. Use DOE’s Find a School option and click on the General Information of the school’s details to get the contact information of the school staff. If the school building is closed for in-person learning, there should be staff available to assist with device needs. You can also reach out to the Family Support Coordinator in the Superintendent’s Office . More information, see the DOE iPad Distribution webpage and the DOE’s Remote Learning Devices FAQs . 4. How can schools provide educational materials and remote learning devices while still being mindful about safety and complying with social distancing guidelines? Districts have used a variety of methods to provide educational materials and technology for remote learning while following public health guidelines, such as mailing instructional materials and devices, and pick-up or delivery systems that are contact free. Districts have: Created pick-up locations where school staff place boxes of supplies in their car trunks. Left food and materials in a box outside students’ doors where they are staying or at a motel. The student/family comes out to claim the items when the person making the delivery has stepped away. Set up “gloved grab-and-go” drive-up locations where staff wearing PPE can hand off devices without direct contact. Included alcohol wipes, or a bleach solution with a sponge, with the deliveries so the student/family can wipe down the items before bringing them inside. For more information on how other school districts are handling this issue please see our COVID-19 Resources for Schools and Families webinar. 5. What resources are available to help families and students get step-by-step instructions on how to use Google Classrooms and, in NYC, the DOE-issued iPads? There are many resources available online to help parents and students navigate Google Classrooms, below are a few: Parent’s Guide to Google Classroom (pdf) Getting Started with Google Classroom from the NYC Department of Education (webpage) Also, there are additional resources for English Language/Multilingual Learners here . For instructions about how to use DOE-issued iPads and for trouble-shooting information, see: Getting Started on Your iPad FAQ on Remote Learning Devices Video on Navigating the iPad and Adding Apps DOE Help Desk 718-935-5100 and dial 5 6. What remote learning supports are available for students and families in temporary housing who are English Language Learnings/Multilingual Learners? Using Google Products Videos about using Google Classroom: New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (NYS TESOL) has created home language tutorial videos for families and students on how to navigate Google Classroom in the following 10 languages : Arabic , Bengali , Chinese , French , Haitian Creole , Korean , Portuguese , Russian , Spanish and Urdu. It is free and open to all. Spanish video: Como Usar Google Classroom Guides to setting up Google Classroom: English , Spanish , Chinese , Korean , Bengali , Russian , and Arabic Uploading Homework in Google Classroom, Spanish video: Como Enviar Tareas En Google Classroom Google Translate Using Google Translate To Translate Text (with subtitles in Chinese, Spanish, and Russian) Using Google Translate To Translate Text (with subtitles in Arabic, Urdu, Haitian Creole, & Bengali ) Using Google Meet, Spanish video: Como Usar Google Meet NYS Statewide Language Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network (RBERN ) at NYU has many resources for parents, students, and educators Resource Collection for English Language Learners (ELLs) and World Language Students from NYSED’s Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages (OBEWL) has resources for students, parents, and educators. For NYC students and families: Tech support is available in 10 languages by calling the DOE Help Desk 718-935-5100 and dial 5. For information about translating DOE webpages and where to find additional support online, see this Q and A from the NYC Department of Education . Priority Shelter Support Hotline : (718) 935- 5108 For translation and interpretation services, call (718) 935-2013 or email Hello@schools.nyc.gov For information about Remote Learning for English/Multilingual Learners (setting up an iPad in different languages, info about Google Translate, etc.) see here . 7. Additional Resources: NYSCATE Courses and Webinars: NYSED has partnered with the New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education (NYSCATE) to offer free professional development courses and webinars for NYS educators beginning May 2021. NYSCATE also provides webinars for parents and educators on topics related to remote learning and technology. For more information regarding the courses and webinars, please visit the NYSCATE website . Register for the webinars below: Parent Webinars Educator Webinars Parent University: NYC: Parent University provides free courses and resources for parents of NYC students in an effort to empower and educate families in a variety of topics. You may browse through their course catalog and find out more about courses by going to the Parent University home page. More questions? Give us a call. If you have a question, call the NYS-TEACHS Infoline at 800-388-2014 . Academics & Testing Charte Scools Collaboration Data & Reporting Enrollment Food Resources Funding Key Resources Mental Health Outreach, Identification Public Benefits Special Education Technology Top of Page More Questions BACK TO TOP

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.

Homeless education resources on enrollment and school selection Federal Laws 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). Laws & Guidance US Department of Education McKinney-Vento Fact Sheet United States Department of Education On March 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) revised the Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program. This revised Non-Regulatory Guidance replaces the July 2016 Guidance and includes new questions and answers on the amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act made by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which took effect on October 1, 2016, and new technical assistance on promising practices for implementing homeless education requirements at the State and local levels. In July 2018, U.S. DOE published a letter and addendum to the Non-Regulatory Guidance regarding Title I set-asides for students experiencing homelessness. Laws & Guidance McKinney-Vento Guidance United States Department of Education On March 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) revised the Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program. This revised Non-Regulatory Guidance replaces the July 2016 Guidance and includes new questions and answers on the amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act made by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which took effect on October 1, 2016, and new technical assistance on promising practices for implementing homeless education requirements at the State and local levels. An accompanying factsheet is also available. In July 2018, U.S. DOE published a letter and addendum to the Non-Regulatory Guidance regarding Title I set-asides for students experiencing homelessness.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act and N.Y. Education Law § 3209, a student in temporary housing is entitled to transportation to their school of origin. Get resources for more information on transportation. Transportation Under the McKinney-Vento Act and N.Y. Education Law § 3209, a student in temporary housing is entitled to transportation to their school of origin. Transportation protections include: Transportation to the school the student attended when they were last permanently housed up to 50 miles each way, or to the most recent school they attended, even if the school is in a different school district from where the student is temporarily living; Continued transportation to the same school for the rest of the academic year when the student moves into permanent housing, even if the new housing is located outside of the school district; In New York State, transportation is also provided for an extra year after the student moves into permanent housing if the extra year is the student's final year in the school building (for example, 12th grade); If a student in temporary housing attends school in the same district where they are temporarily housed, then they can get the same transportation as their permanently housed peers. If permanently housed students don't have transportation, and the lack of transportation creates a barrier for a student in temporary housing, then the district has to supply transportation to overcome the barrier; Transportation to extracurricular activities if the lack of transportation would be a barrier to the student participating. In New York State, the school district where the student attends school is the district that is responsible for providing transportation. Sometimes, the local department of social services (DSS) is responsible for transportation - for instance, where the student has been placed in a shelter outside of the school district and the student is eligible for Emergency Assistance for Families. The local DSS can meet their responsibility by asking the school district to supply the transportation and reimbursing the school district for the costs. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Laws & Guidance NCHE Brief - Transporting Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness This issue brief from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) provides helpful information on the key provisions related to the transportation of children and youth experiencing homelessness included in the McKinney-Vento Act. It addresses the impact of changing schools that can put students in homeless situations at risk of academic failure. Laws & Guidance Changes in Local District Responsibilities when Transporting Homeless Students The purpose of this GIS is to notify districts that the New York State Education Law, Section 3209, was recently amended to conform to Federal changes in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures homeless children are provided transportation to and from school. Certain changes to Section 3209 have an impact on districts’ responsibilities for transporting homeless students. Guides & Fact Sheets National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services Resolution to Support the Transportation of Homeless Children and Youth The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) passed a resolution at its annual meeting in November 2000 stating its commitment to providing transportation services for homeless children. Guides & Fact Sheets Education Guide for Students in Shelter - SPANISH NYC Department of Education This Spanish language flyer provides information about education, including transportation services, for students living in shelters in New York City. This includes busing for students in K-6 and full-fare MetroCards for students in grades 7-12. Guides & Fact Sheets Education Guide for Students in Shelter - ENGLISH NYC Department of Education This English language flyer provides information about education, including transportation services, for students living in shelters in New York City. This includes busing for students in K-6 and full-fare MetroCards for students in grades 7-12. Guides & Fact Sheets Rural Transportation for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Access to reliable transportation remains one of the most persistent challenges facing CYEH in rural communities across the United States. Guides & Fact Sheets NYC DOE Transportation Protocol This guide provides concise information on the transportation rights of students in temporary housing attending school in New York City. It includes information on available services, metro cards, and busing for students in shelter, students with door-to-door busing listed on their IEPs, and Pre-K students. This guide provides contact information and references to further resources, laws and guidance. 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 Sample Transportation Protocol NYS-TEACHS This Sample Transportation Protocol helps with communication and coordination between school districts and local departments of social services any time the local department of social services is responsible for arranging transportation for a student in temporary housing. This Protocol is a template that school districts and local departments of social services are encouraged to use. School districts and local departments of social services are also welcome to adapt this Protocol to meet their needs. Forms & Templates Office of Pupil Transportation: Busing Exception Request Form NYC Department of Education Students in temporary housing can request busing by filling out the Busing Exception Request Form for Students in Temporary Housing or Students in Foster Care and submitting it to OPT (Office of Pupil Transportation). Temporary housing includes homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, living with others due to financial hardship ("doubled up"), displaced because of a fire, disaster, eviction, etc. This form can also be used if a student recently left temporary housing and has moved to permanent housing. Forms & Templates Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) Transportation Reimbursement Form New York State Education Department Youth who are temporarily living in Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) shelters and who attend their school of origin in a different district from the shelter must receive free transportation to and from school. The school district of attendance must provide transportation and will be eligible for full reimbursement by NYSED. To arrange reimbursement, school districts should submit this form to: Jillena Strevell NYSED, P.O. Box 7256 Albany, NY 12224 Contact information for Jillena Strevell - Jillena.Strevell@nysed.gov Please send the completed form with a cover letter that includes: * your school district’s federal ID number; * the address where the reimbursement check should be sent; * the name of the runaway and homeless youth shelter; * the address of the runaway and homeless youth shelter; * contact information for the Director of the runaway and homeless youth shelter; and * an assurance from the school district that the facility is a runaway and homeless youth shelter. Laws & Guidance Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths United States Department of Education On March 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) revised the Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program. This revised Non-Regulatory Guidance replaces the July 2016 Guidance and includes new questions and answers on the amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act made by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which took effect on October 1, 2016, and new technical assistance on promising practices for implementing homeless education requirements at the State and local levels. 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 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). Laws & Guidance New York State Education Law Section 3635, Transportation This State Education Law addresses school transportation. For more information about transportation for students who are homeless, please see our transportation page. Laws & Guidance Transportation from LDSS for Students Who Are Homeless OTDA Administrative Directive Under New York State law, in certain circumstances, the local social services is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation to and from school for students experiencing homelessness. Read this Administrative Directive to find out more about when the local department of social services is responsible for a student’s transportation. Please note: this document does not include information on the transportation changes made under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which went into effect on October 1, 2016 or the changes to New York State Education Law Section 3209 which went into effect on April 20, 2017. Laws & Guidance Information on Transportation of Prekindergarten Students under Four Years of Age New York State Education Department This memorandum from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) Office of Early Learning and the Office of Educational Management Services provides information about student transportation safety for students under four years of age, including information on appropriate car seats and bus monitors. Guides & Fact Sheets Transportation Guide for Students in Temporary Housing 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.

Attendance Improvement These resources for professionals and families address chronic absenteeism and provide guidance on improving attendance. Topic Resources View topic by category: Guides & Fact Sheets Attendance Works: Attendance Improvement - Spanish Attendance Works infographic spelling out the facts about chronic absence in the early grades-Spanish Guides & Fact Sheets Attendance Works: Attendance Improvement -English Attendance Works infographic spelling out the facts about chronic absence in the early grades-English Data Hamilton Project's Map of Absenteeism The Hamilton Project created an interactive map using national data reported by school districts to the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Data Collection for the 2015-2016 school year. You may use the map to compare rates of chronic absenteeism across New York, broken down by school characteristics and student demographics.

View the webinar "The 2022-2025 McKinney-Vento Grant Coseout Meeting" The 2019-2022 McKinney-Vento Grant Closeout Meeting Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint CSPR Data worksheet PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

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. Quick Tip Sheet Series 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. Topic Resources View topic by category: Guides & Fact Sheets Navigating Challenging Conversations 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. Guides & Fact Sheets Recomendaciones Para Padres y Tutores Si reside en una vivienda temporal, USTED TIENE DERECHOS con respecto a la educación de sus hijos en conformidad con la Ley de educación McKinney-Vento de asistencia a personas sin hogar. 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. Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for Parents and Guardians Read some tips and techniques to help parent and guardians living in temporary housing, YOU HAVE RIGHTS regarding the education of your children under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for School Nurses School nurses often have one-on-one relationships with students and may see signs of homelessness before others. Read some tips and techniques to help in connect students to specific supports under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for School Secretaries and Enrollment Personnel Read some tips and techniques for school secretaries and enrollment personnel to help students in temporary housing and their families feel safe and supported by taking immediate action in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for School and District Leadership Read some tips and techniques that school and district leaders must keep in mind to create a positive school climate that is safe, supportive, and trauma-sensitive. Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for Social Workers and School Counselors Read some tips and techniques for School Social Workers and Guidance Counselors to help create a safe and supportive environment for students in temporary housing and their families . Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for Teachers Read some tips and techniques for teachers that help create a classroom environment that is safe and supportive for students in temporary housing including sensitivity to the stress and trauma that often accompanies homelessness. Guides & Fact Sheets Tips for Transportation Directors Read some tips and techniques for transportation staff including directors, dispatchers, and drivers can contribute to the success of students in temporary housing by ensuring school stability and student confidence.

View the webinar Understanding the STAC 202 policy Understanding the STAC-202 Policy Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), including school districts, BOCES, and charter schools, in New York State must complete a Designation Form (STAC 202) for each student identified under the McKinney-Vento Act. This webinar will focus on providing information on the STAC 202 policy. 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. By the end of the w ebinar, participants will be able to: Describe the STAC 202 process and how to complete the form. Determine when to apply for tuition reimbursement from NYSED. Distinguish the difference between applying for tuition reimbursement and direct billing. Apply knowledge of the STAC process to specific scenarios. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint STAC-202 Forms For more resources, visit the STAC-202 page . Back to Professional Learning