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View the webinar about Meeting the Needs of Recently Arrived Children and Youth Meeting the Needs of Recently Arrived Children and Youth Immigrant students who experience homelessness are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act, regardless of their immigration status. All school-age children are entitled to a free, appropriate public education. The McKinney-Vento Act requires that students experiencing homelessness be enrolled immediately, even if lacking the necessary documentation for enrollment. This webinar will focus on ways to meet the needs of recently arrived children and youth while addressing barriers to academic success. Participants will be able to: Identify the key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act as it relates to the rights of recently arrived children and youth. Describe the educational barriers that impact academic growth and determine strategies to ensure success. Utilize strategies to support recently arrived students experiencing temporary housing. Use resources to meet the needs of recently arrived children and youth. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

Download and print these "Know Your Rights!" Informational Flyers. These flyers can be distributed following a natural disaster to help families and youth understand their educational rights. They include space to add local contact information. Below is a poster for New York State and for New York City. Know Your Rights! Informational Flyers These flyers can be distributed following a natural disaster to help families and youth understand their educational rights. They include space to add local contact information. Below is a poster for New York State and for New York City. New York State Flyer New York City Flyer Back to Disaster & Emergency Response

View the webinar Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Living in Temporary Housing Meeting the Needs of Students with Disabilities Living in Temporary Housing Under the McKinney-Vento Act, school districts must remove barriers for students in temporary housing to attend and succeed in school. This can be challenging for children with special needs, both those who have been evaluated and have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) and those who have not yet been identified. The webinar will provide information on the intersection of McKinney-Vento and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and how LEA’s can support students with disabilities who are living in temporary housing. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act as it pertains to the rights of students with disabilities under IDEA. Gain knowledge about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and special education services for children experiencing temporary housing. Access resources for students with disabilities who are experiencing temporary housing. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

Find resources to help students who are living in temporary housing due to a distaster or emergency here. Disaster and Emergency Response COVID-19 Alert: News and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic are posted to our News feed. Students who are temporarily displaced due to disaster are protected by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, a federal law that discusses the public education of students in temporary housing. The definition of homelessness under this Act is broad, and it covers students who are doubling up with friends or family due to loss of housing, as well as students in shelters, vehicles, and other temporary arrangements. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students in temporary housing are entitled to free transportation back to their school of origin, or they can enroll immediately in the new local school where they are temporarily residing. FAQ for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Button Guides & Fact Sheets Helping Families and Schools Recover in the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey This September 2017 presentation from the U.S. Department of Education, titled “Helping Families and Schools Recover in the Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey,” has important information about how school districts can better help students affected by Hurricane Harvey and other natural disasters, including information about supports for students made homeless by a natural disaster and specific steps school districts can take to help students, families, and schools recover. Guides & Fact Sheets NCHE's Connecting Schools and Displaced Students Handbook Series These printable handbooks relay disaster-related school information to parents, relief agencies, and school districts. 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 Know Your Rights! Informational Flyers These flyers can be distributed following a natural disaster to help families and youth understand their educational rights. They include space to add local contact information. You may find flyers for New York State or New York City. Laws & Guidance Extreme Weather Events: Hurricane Sandy/Nor'easter and Transportation for Nonpublic, Homeless and Charter School Students New York State Education Department This memo provides information about transportation of students post-Superstorm Sandy, including students attending nonpublic schools. However, please note that transportation protections, privacy protections, and access to pre-school programs, for example, have been exanded under state and federal law since the memo was published. Laws & Guidance Extreme Weather Events in New York State and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act NYSED Field Memo NYSED’s McKinney-Vento Field Memo #04-2012 (November 2012) describes how and when McKinney-Vento protections apply to students displaced by a disaster. Laws & Guidance Field Advisory: Diploma Options for Puerto Rican Students Displaced by Hurricanes Irma or Maria New York State Education Department NYSED and the Puerto Rico Department of Education (PRDE) have agreed to allow students who were displaced by Hurricane Irma or Maria and subsequently enrolled in a high school in New York State to be offered the opportunity to complete either the New York State diploma requirements or the requirements to earn a diploma from Puerto Rico. This applies to students who had attained 10th, 11th, or 12th grade in Puerto Rico by October 2017. This field memo provides information on the PRDE graduation requirements, the process to request a Puerto Rico high school diploma, and how to code students in SIRS. For more information, contact the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages at (518) 474-8775. Laws & Guidance Students Displaced by 2017 Hurricanes New York State Education Department This memo provides information and resources for local educational agencies (LEAs), including school districts, charter schools, and BOCES, regarding the rights of and services available to students displaced by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria in 2017. Laws & Guidance Q & A: Information for School Districts Impacted by Severe Weather Events New York State Education Department This memo, last updated in November 2012, answers a number of questions regarding the education of students after a severe weather event. Laws & Guidance Applications for Hurricane and Disaster Relief Funding New York State Education Department This memo provides information about applying for additional funding from two disaster relief programs: Temporary Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students and Assistance for Homeless Children and Youth. These programs were announced in early May by the United States Department of Education to support schools that have enrolled students displaced by recent natural disasters. Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), including school districts, charter schools, and BOCES, will be required to complete a survey on the SEDMonitoring platform by June 15, 2018, even if no displaced students have been enrolled. Laws & Guidance Special Education Advisory: School Districts Impacted by Hurricane Sandy and Requests for Flexibility in Special Education Requirements New York State Education Department This November 2012 advisory was issued in response to inquiries about waivers/flexibility for special education requirements in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. The advisory also reviews requirements of LEAs under the McKinney-Vento Act to provide comparable services to enrolling students in temporary housing. Website Supporting Children and Youth Displaced by Disasters: Five Key Policies for Schools SchoolHouse Connection published this brief detailing the five key policies and quick tips for implementation to better support children and youth displaced by disasters. Schools can be a place of stability, normalcy, and support for children and youth who are displaced by disasters. Liaisons also may be able to connect younger siblings with early childhood resources to provide safety, stability and a place to be a child as parents seek to rebuild. Website A McKinney-Vento Toolbox: Constructing a Robust and Rigorous Homeless Education Program, In Case of Disaster and Every Day This toolbox, from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE), contains a wealth of information, lessons learned, and resources developed during the recovery process following the 2005 Gulf Coast hurricanes. Website The National Child Traumatic Stress Network The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s website has a large array or information and resources for parents and teachers including: What you should know about hurricanes and how they impact children and the Teacher Guidelines for Helping Students after a Hurricane Website Free Meals Students in Temporary Housing are categorically eligible for free meals. Website NYSED Disaster Assistance New York State Education Department List of resources for hurricane and other storm damage recovery. Website NCHE's Helping Students Cope Resource Page This page provides a number of resources for working with students who have been affected by natural disaster. Website Supportive Housing Network of New York Supportive housing providers across New York serve tenants in damaged and flooded residences. Below, you’ll find information on how you can make cash donations or donate other goods. You’ll also find details on how you can volunteer or receive assistance from various government agencies. FEMA: If you or your loved ones have been affected by hurricane and are in need of assistance, you can register with FEMA for aid. To do so, call (800) 621-3362 or TTY (800) 462-7585 or register online at www.disasterassistance.gov . Shelter: The Red Cross provides shelter throughout affected areas. Visit their website for a listing www.redcross.org/find-help/shelter or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Additional information about hurricane victim aid and ways everyone can help in the relief effort can be found at: www.fema.gov/new-york-sandy-recovery.

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

Homeless education resources on early childhood education Early Childhood Education McKinney-Vento liaisons are responsible for connecting young children with early care and education programs including Head Start, Early Head Start, Pre-K, Early Intervention, preschool special education services. Quality early care and education programs offer a crucial opportunity for young children to develop their social, emotional and cognitive skills. Children who are homeless who attend preschool are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act. They have the right to continued enrollment and transportation to their preschool of origin. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Guides & Fact Sheets Referring Young Children to Early Childhood Development Programs: Checklist for Homeless Liaisons Homeless liaisons have a responsibility under the McKinney-Vento Act to identify and refer younger children to early learning programs. This checklist from SchoolHouse Connections can be a guide for ensuring young children experiencing homelessness are identified and enrolled. Guides & Fact Sheets Schoolhouse Connection: Is My Early Childhood Program a McKinney-Vento “Preschool?” Schoolhouse Connection The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) amended the McKinney-Vento Act to include preschools specifically within the definition of “school of origin.” As a result, children experiencing homelessness can remain in the preschool they attended when permanently housed, or the preschool in which they were last enrolled, if that is in their best interest. This flow chart provides a guide to understanding of how determine whether a particular early childhood education program is a “preschool” under ESSA. Forms & Templates Grace Period for Enrolling Children without Medical Records and/or Immunization Documentation in Licensed Registered Child Care Programs In March 2017, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services issued this Policy Statement, #17-1: “Grace Period for Enrolling Children without Medical Records and/or Immunization Documentation in Licensed Registered Child Care Programs,” which explains that licensed child care providers should give parents up to 14 days to provide proof of immunization and request a waiver to the medical statement/physical requirement if the family is experiencing homelessness and the parent does not have the child’s medical statement/physical when the child enrolls in child care. While the parent is getting the needed documentation, the provider should allow children who are homeless to receive child care services. Guides & Fact Sheets How Preschool Programs Can Help Children Who Are Homeless This tip sheet by the Wisconsin Dept of Public Instruction provides information on the benefits of early education programs for children in temporary housing. Find tips and strategies to help children who are homeless adapt to the learning environment. Guides & Fact Sheets Regulations of the Commissioner of The New York State Education Department Preschool Special Education Services are discussed in Part 200.16(a)-(f). The regulations provide guidance on the referral process as well as specific information on the timeline for ensuring the delivery of services Guides & Fact Sheets Summary of Final Head Start Regulations Related to Homelessness This document from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) summarizes the September 2016 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services comprehensive revision of the Head Start Performance Standards. These final regulations apply to Head Start and Early Head Start programs. PDF 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. Guides & Fact Sheets Everything You Need to Know: Improving Access to Head Start for Families in Temporary Housing This presentation was given at the May 30th, 2019 New York State Head Start Association (NYSHSA) Conference. PDF Guides & Fact Sheets Early Care and Education Services for Children Experiencing Homelessness This guide by the NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) has information for parents, early care and education providers, school district staff, shelter providers, and other social service professionals about early care and education programs. This guide also provides information on determining eligibility for children in temporary housing, and their rights and protections. You can also find a handy chart where community-specific information about early care and education programs can be included and then shared with parents. This document is a fillable PDF, so you can enter information about local programs and services on the chart itself, print it out, and easily share it with parents. Additionally, a link to a fillable Word document version of the chart can be found below. [ Word Document] Guides & Fact Sheets Early Care and Education Services for Children Experiencing Homelessness This guide by the NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) has information for parents, early care and education providers, school district staff, shelter providers, and other social service professionals about early care and education programs. This guide also provides information on determining eligibility for children in temporary housing, and their rights and protections. You can also find a handy chart where community-specific information about early care and education programs can be included and then shared with parents. This document is a fillable PDF, so you can enter information about local programs and services on the chart itself, print it out, and easily share it with parents. Additionally, a link to a fillable Word document version of the chart can be found below. Note: Save the PDF or Word document to your computer before editing. If you modify the document within your browser, you may not be able to save your edits. Guides & Fact Sheets Tip Sheet for Head Start Programs Children experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible for Head Start, and Head Start programs must prioritize children who are homelessness for enrollment. This Tip Sheet has information about how Head Start programs can identify children experiencing homelessness and better connect them with Head Start programs. The Tip Sheet references the template Housing Questionnaire for Head Start programs, which is an important tool programs can use to better identify children experiencing homelessness. Website Interactive Learning Series: Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness Want to enhance your knowledge around family homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act? This series from Office of Head Start’s Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (OHS ECLKC) is designed to help Head Start and other early childhood care professionals learn how to identify families experiencing homelessness, conduct community outreach, and build relationships with families and providers. Website Directory of New York State Child Care Coordinating Council (NYSCCCC) Affiliates: Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) Agencies Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) programs have three major purposes: to provide information and referral services to families seeking early care and education programming for their children (special emphasis on low-income families), to provide technical assistance to individuals and organization seeking to develop early care and education programs, and to provide training and educational opportunities for programs and individuals. About the Source OCFS: The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York’s public by promoting the safety, permanency and well-being of our children, families and communities. They achieve results by setting and enforcing policies, building partnerships, and funding and providing quality services. Data Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles This report by the U.S. Department of Education (previously issued by the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) provides updated state-by-state data and information on early childhood homelessness in each state. Forms & Templates Housing Questionnaire for Head Start Programs - Spanish This Housing Questionnaire should be used by Head Start staff as a part of the enrollment process to identify any child who is homeless. Forms & Templates Housing Questionnaire for Head Start Programs - English This Housing Questionnaire should be used by Head Start staff as a part of the enrollment process to identify any child who is homeless. Forms & Templates Self-Assessment Tool for Early Childhood Programs Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness Ounce of Prevention Fund and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released the “Self-Assessment Tool for Early Childhood Programs Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness,” a tool designed for child care, Head Start and Early Head Start, and public pre-k programs as a guide for welcoming and supporting families and children experiencing homelessness into these programs. This tool contains recommendations for making early childhood programs more responsive to the unique needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their families who experience homelessness in five areas: Identification and Support; Removal of Barriers; Responding to Family Needs; Engagement in Strategic Collaboration; and Improving Collection, Reporting and Utilization of Data. The tool includes additional resources to support programs. About the Source The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. They promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, individuals and communities with leadership and resources for compassionate, effective delivery of human services. Forms & Templates Early Childhood Self-Assessment Tool for Shelters Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness Ensuring the early learning and development of our country’s youngest children is essential to our nation’s early care and education providers. Supporting the well-being of these young children and their families is an important task and one that is critical to improving the long-term educational outcomes of children nationwide. With this in mind, North Carolina’s Child Care Services Association (CCSA), in partnership with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has released a validated and revised “Early Childhood Self-Assessment Tool for Shelters“. This tool is designed to guide shelter staff in creating safe, developmentally appropriate environments for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families who are experiencing homelessness. About the Source The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. They promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, individuals and communities with leadership and resources for compassionate, effective delivery of human services. Forms & Templates Pre-K Class Size Variance Request New York State Education Department Pre-K classrooms have a maximum size at twenty children, but can be expanded. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will grant a class-size variance to allow a 21st child in the classroom if that child is in temporary housing. To get a variance, the Pre-K program should complete this Pre-K Class Size Variance Request and email it to NYSED’s Office of Early Learning at oel@nysed.gov . For more information, see NYSED’s 2015 Guidance Memo. Laws & Guidance Child Care Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness and Differential Payment Rates On Friday, April 28, 2017, the New York State Office of Children and Family Services issued this Local Commissioners Memorandum (LCM), 17 OCFS LCM-05: “Child Care Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness and Differential Payment Rates.” The LCM informs social services districts about recent changes to State regulations regarding the provision of child care services funded under the New York State Child Care Block Grant (NYSCCBG) and Title XX of the federal Social Security Act. The changes include: - adding families experiencing homelessness as a priority population; - adding certain families experiencing homelessness to the category of eligible families when districts have funds available; - exempting families experiencing homelessness from contributing to the cost of care; - providing an allowable grace period for children to attend child care programs; - establishing a differential payment rate for child care services provided to a child experiencing homelessness; and - amendments to the provisions for differential payment rates to child care providers who are accredited by a nationally recognized child care organization and/or provide care during nontraditional hours. Laws & Guidance District-Administered Pre-K Programs for Children in Temporary Housing NYSED Field Memo NYSED’s McKinney-Vento Field Memo #04-2015 (June 2015) provides guidance on the rights of students in temporary housing to access public preschool education programs offered by a school district. It also provides guidance to school districts on outreach and identification of preschool age temporarily housed children, how to request funding and seek class-size variance requests for programs that may already be full, and other early childhood education programs and services that may be available. PLEASE NOTE: Documents dated before 2016 may not reflect the amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act as a result of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the 2017 amendments to New York State Education Law Section 3209, and/or 2017 amendments to the Commissioner’s Regulations. Laws & Guidance REDLINE VERSON of the 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 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). 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 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. About the Source The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is a division of the Department of Health & Human Services. They promote the economic and social well-being of children, families, individuals and communities with leadership and resources for compassionate, effective delivery of human services.

View the webinar Planning Your LEA Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program McKinney-Vento Liaison Role and Responsibilities - 2025 -26 All Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), including all school districts, charter schools, and BOCES, must designate an appropriate staff person to serve as the McKinney-Vento liaison to help students in temporary housing and their families. This session is designed especially for McKinney Vento liaisons who are new to their role in implementing the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. By the end of the webinar, participant s will: Provide information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Describe the role and responsibilities of a McKinney-Vento liaison. Fulfill the responsibilities of a McKinney-Vento liaison as the primary point of contact for families. Utilize resources to support families, children, and youth experiencing temporary housing. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint For more resources on the roles and responsibilities of Liaisons, visit the Liaison page . Back to Professional Learning

STAC 202 forms when a student has been designated as homeless, and specifies the name of the district the student will be attending STAC 202 Forms 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 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). Sign Up Here Log In Here English Spanish Back to STAC-202

View the webinar McKinney-Vento: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth. McKinney-Vento: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Approximately 4.2 million youth and young adults experience some form of homelessness each year. Meeting the needs of unaccompanied homeless youth is one of the important responsibilities of a McKinney-Vento liaison. This webinar will focus on using the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act to determine eligibility for benefits and to provide the supports that foster academic success. By the end of the webinar , participants will be able to: Identify the key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act as it relates to the rights of unaccompanied homeless youth. Describe the educational barriers that impact academic growth and determine strategies to ensure success. Acquire strategies to support the education and social-emotional success of students experiencing temporary housing. Use resources to meet the needs of unaccompanied homeless youth. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Unaccompanied Youth Q&A For more resources, visit the Unaccompanied Youth page . Back to Professional Learning

Thank you for completing the NYS Homeless Liaisons Contact Information Form. We have received your new information. Thank you! NYS Homeless Liaisons Contact Information Form Thank you for completing the NYS Homeless Liaisons Contact Information Form. We have received your new information. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us here.

Grant Webinar Archive Watch the 2022-2025 McKinney-Vento Grant Program Informational Webinar The McKinney-Vento Competitive Grant webinar is available every three years through a competitive application process administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Watch this comprehensive explanation of how to complete an application for this grant. WATCH NOW Watch the 2019-2022 McKinney-Vento Grant Closeout Meeting WATCH NOW

Find resources for students who have needs that stem from chronic stress and trauma here. Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for School Success Students experiencing homelessness have immediate school needs that range from transportation to supplies. However, many students have additional needs that stem from chronic stress and trauma. Those unique needs must be addressed in order for students to thrive academically and socially. There is much evidence to suggest that taking a trauma-sensitive approach can increase a student's chance at school success. Topic Resources View topic by category: Website ACES Too High In reference to the ACEs study (Adverse Childhood Experiences), this website provides research, articles, and other resources related to childhood trauma and it’s lifelong effect. There is a also an accompanying newsletter if you want to stay up-to-date on the subject. Website Center on the Developing Child The Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University aims to drive science-based innovation that achieves breakthrough outcomes for children facing adversity. Founded in 2006, the Center’s goal is to produce substantially larger impacts on the learning capacity, health, and economic and social mobility of young children. The website offers many wonderful resources including a series of short info-briefs and videos that are perfect for anyone who wants an introduction to child development and the impact of childhood trauma. Website Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) CASEL is a non-profit organization working to advance the development of academic and social-emotional competence for all students. CASEL provides resources for social-emotional learning (SEL) implementation, policy, and research. Guides & Fact Sheets Communications Guide for McKinney-Vento Liaisons NYS-TEACHS: Centering Anti-Racist Approaches to Conversations with Families and Colleagues McKinney-Vento liaisons are responsible for the identification, enrollment, and the removal of educational barriers for students experiencing homelessness. McKinney-Vento liaisons can create meaningful change in their districts and the lives of students experiencing homelessness by providing internal trainings and connecting students to educational resources and community referrals. Unfortunately, due to systemic racism across many aspects of American life, Black, Latinx, Native American, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities experience homelessness at disproportionate rates compared to white and Asian communities. Systemic racism exists in schools; therefore, it is crucial for McKinney-Vento liaisons to reflect on school protocols and narratives that reinforce racial bias and inequity. Even small intentional changes, such as in our semantics, can have positive effects on family relationships and ultimately, the well-being and success of students. We created this tip sheet to help McKinney-Vento liaisons and other school staff reflect on their own communication styles, race, and how institutional racism impacts students and families. Guides & Fact Sheets Info-Brief: Trauma-Sensitivity and School Success NYS-TEACHS Students in temporary housing often face challenges that go beyond everyday stress and cross the line into toxic stress and trauma. This info-brief from NYS-TEACHS illustrates how a trauma-sensitive approach can improve academic outcomes for students in temporary housing. It offers examples of the negative impact and behavioral manifestations of trauma as well as strategies for countering those negative impacts through a trauma-sensitive approach. Guides & Fact Sheets Matrix of Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for School Success What does trauma-sensitivity look like in practice? This two-page resource from NYS-TEACHS provides suggested strategies and actions for implementing the three categories of trauma-sensitivity in a school setting: 1. Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment 2. Fostering Secure Attachments 3. Strengthening Non-Cognitive Skills. This is a simple and helpful “how-to” resource for your own reference or to hand out to school/district staff during a trauma-sensitive schools training. Guides & Fact Sheets Meeting the Unique Learning Needs of Students Exposed to Trauma NYS-TEACHS If you are new to the concept of trauma-sensitivity or want a deeper understanding of how to implement each of trauma-sensitive strategies outlined in our “Matrix of Trauma-Sensitive Strategies for School Success,” this toolkit can help. This detailed toolkit from NYS-TEACHS provides suggestions for HOW to apply various trauma-sensitive strategies and WHY they are necessary to improve academic outcomes for students in temporary housing. Website National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) NCHE serves as a technical assistance and information center.They provide research, resources, and training for schools and communities addressing the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness. NCHE also has many resources dedicated to Trauma-Informed Care and Trauma-Sensitivity as it relates to students in temporary housing. Website National Center for Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NSSLE) NCSSLE provides training and technical assistance on issues related to bullying, harassment, etc. The resources are aimed toward schools, districts, and individuals interested in creating a safe and supportive school environment. Website National Child Traumatic Stress Network The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) offers useful information about what child trauma is and what it can “look like.” The organization is a unique network of frontline providers, family members, researchers, and national partners committed to changing the course of children’s lives. The NCTSN has grown from 17 funded centers in 2001 to 86 currently funded centers and over 150 Affiliate (formerly funded) centers and individuals in 2017, working in hospitals, universities, and community-based programs in 44 states and the District of Columbia. Even you aren’t a “member” of the network, the website provides many useful resources. Research & Reports Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire: Trauma in the Lives of Homeless Youth Prior to and During Homelessness This research article examines the negative effect that trauma has on homeless youth. It also makes the case for harm reduction policies rather than “zero tolerance” or punishment. The article is written by John Coates and Sue McKenzie-Mohr and published in the Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare. Research & Reports Resilience and At-Risk Children and Youth This 13-page research summary from the National Center for Homeless Education outlines trauma’s impact on a student’s ability to succeed in school. It offers effective approaches for building resilience, coping skills, and healthy relationships in school. Website Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) SAMHSA leads efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation concentrating primarily on mental health and substance abuse. SAMHSA also focuses on families who have experienced trauma such as homelessness. Website The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative (TLPI) The Trauma and Learning Policy Initiative’s (TLPI) mission is to ensure that children traumatized by exposure to family violence and other adverse childhood experiences succeed in school. To accomplish this mission, TLPI engages in a variety of ongoing activities including: Helping schools create trauma-sensitive environments Advocating for laws, policies and funding streams that will enable schools to create trauma sensitive learning environments Improving trauma sensitive approaches to meeting the needs of individual children at school in both regular and special education Engaging in a public education campaign to teach policymakers, educators, administrators, health and mental health providers and parents about the impact of trauma on learning and the need for trauma sensitive schools. In particular, we suggest that you look at their 2-volume publication, “Helping Traumatized Children Learn” and the accompanying video, “5 Core Ideas of Helping Traumatized Children Learn“ Research & Reports Understanding Traumatic Stress In Children This 23-page report from the National Center on Family Homelessness outlines the behavioral manifestations of trauma as well as the factors that affect a child’s ability to recover from trauma. It also makes the case for practicing self-care as a parent, guardian, or caregiver as to avoid secondary trauma.