View the webinar Creating Trauma-Informed and Responsive Practices in Schools. Creating Trauma-Informed and Responsive Practices in Schools Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning Families in temporary housing may experience trauma due to sudden loss of housing, economic hardship, or adjusting to the conditions of shelter life. This webinar will be provided by the NYS Trauma Informed Network Resource Center. NYS Trauma Informed Network Resource Center (TINRC) is a division of Coordinated Care Services, Inc. (CCSI) that is funded by NYS Office of Mental Health. Its goal is to support and spread trauma-informed work and wellness practices across NYS through connections to resources, events, and each other. This session will address toxic stress, and how it affects the brain and body, if left unchecked. There will also be discussion on the first step in becoming trauma responsive. Additionally, information will be provided on ways the TINRC can support school districts in creating a trauma responsive environment where families and children can find ways to mitigate or eliminate those stressors to go on and live healthily with longevity. Session 1

Homeless education resources regarding privacy of student records Privacy of Student Records The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides important protections to make sure that students and families can access their school records and keep them private. Under FERPA, schools must: Get prior consent from the parent or student (if the student is 18 or older) before releasing information from a student's educational record to a third party, unless the third party is related to a student's continued education (for example, a new school district). Allow parents to access their child's educational records, including transcripts, when requested Allow students to access their own educational records, including transcripts, when requested, even if they are under 18. Privacy protections for students in temporary housing have been strengthened with the reauthorization of the McKinney-Vento Act under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which went into effect on October 1, 2016. ESSA and FERPA limit the kind of information a school district may share with third parties when verifying the eligibility of a student under McKinney-Vento. Information about a student's housing situation is now considered protected information, and can not be shared with third parties without prior consent from the parent or student. (However, MV liaisons can still share student information with a new school district to help the student enroll in school.) FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Website 6 Things to Know About Privacy, FERPA, and Homelessness This fact sheet briefly explains what educational information pertaining to homeless students can be shared, with whom, and under what circumstances, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the McKinney-Vento Act. Laws & Guidance Access to School Records for Unaccompanied Youth This Guidance from the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) at the U.S. Department of Education, “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Disclosure of Student Information Related to Emergencies and Disasters,” includes information that can help unaccompanied youth and their caregivers in accessing student educational records. The Guidance clarifies in question 3 that caregivers can access a student’s educational records, even if they are not legal guardians and are not related to the student. The Guidance also explains in questions 5 and 6 that schools can give unaccompanied youth full access to their own records, even when they are under 18. (After they turn 18, students also have the right to access their records.) Guides & Fact Sheets Confirming Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Rights and Services NCHE Brief This issue brief from NCHE provides helpful information on what to do and what not to do when determining if a student is eligible for services under McKinney-Vento. Please note: with the reauthorization of McKinney-Vento under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which went into effect on October 1, 2016, there are stronger privacy protections relating to the confidentiality of address information for students in temporary housing. About the Source NCHE: Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the Department’s technical assistance center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In this role, NCHE works with schools, service providers, parents, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can enroll and succeed in school. Laws & Guidance Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Federal Regulations This link provides the full text of the federal regulations about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). 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 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 Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths- FACT SHEET United States Department of Education A Non-Regulatory Guidance factsheet and addendum to the Non-Regulatory Guidance regarding Title I set-asides for students experiencing homelessness was published in July 2018 by the U.S. DOE. Guides & Fact Sheets SchoolHouse Connection: Student Privacy, FERPA, and Homelessness Supporting students in temporary housing often involves collaboration between school staff, service providers, and other professionals. This collaboration must be sensitive to student privacy rights and must not create barriers to student identification, enrollment, or retention in school. This issue brief and two-pager from SchoolHouse Connection outline what educational information pertaining to students experiencing homelessness can be shared, with whom, and under what circumstances, as per FERPA and the McKinney-Vento Act. The full-length brief also provides best practices and tips collected from school districts across the country. Website SchoolHouse Connection: Student Privacy, FERPA, and Homelessness Supporting students in temporary housing often involves collaboration between school staff, service providers, and other professionals. This collaboration must be sensitive to student privacy rights and must not create barriers to student identification, enrollment, or retention in school. This issue brief and two-pager from SchoolHouse Connection outline what educational information pertaining to students experiencing homelessness can be shared, with whom, and under what circumstances, as per FERPA and the McKinney-Vento Act. The full-length brief also provides best practices and tips collected from school districts across the country. You can view these resources on SchoolHouse Connection’s website. Website Student Privacy Website United States Department of Education The U.S. Department of Education Student Privacy Website has information for students, parents, and school officials about the obligations and rights of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The site includes a Frequently Asked Questions section and an Ask a Question option. 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.

View the webinar McKinney-Vento Act Supporting Students Attending Charter Schools McKinney-Vento Act: Supporting Students Attending Charter Schools in NYC Charter schools have the responsibility to implement the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act to ensure that homeless students have access to and can succeed in school. This webinar will provide information on the provisions of the McKinney-Vento law with a focus on enrollment and transportation. (Webinar is intended for Charter Schools in NYC) By the end of today’s webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act and the responsibilities of the liaison. Identify the rights of students experiencing temporary housing and the charter school responsibility to ensure those rights. Describe the criteria for a student to be eligible for benefits as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Provide the benefits of immediate enrollment and transportation to eligible students. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

View the webinar Preparing Students for Postsecondary Education and Completing the FAFSA Preparing Students for Postsecondary Education and Completing the FAFSA We all know the importance of post-secondary education, especially for youth experiencing homelessness, yet these students face many barriers in transitioning to higher education. This webinar will discuss these barriers and provide strategies for helping youth experiencing homelessness prepare for and transition to post-secondary education, with particular emphasis on college preparation. Information will be provided on how to complete the FAFSA and obtain fee waivers. By the end of today’s webinar, participants will be able to: Identify and address challenges that youth experiencing homelessness face in pursuing post-secondary education. Support students in completing the FAFSA and obtaining fee waivers. Identify scholarship resources. Help students prepare for their transition to college. Link with local colleges and universities to support students experiencing homelessness. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint We also reshared the two resources from last year's webinar, which are still useful: And from FAFSA: Federal Student Aid and Homeless Youth: https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/homeless-youth.pdf Schoolhouse Connection: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/financial-aid-for-unaccompanied-homeless-youth/ For more resources, visit the Higher Education & Postsecondary Opportunities . Back to Professional Learning

Find information about the local poverty rates & student homelessness in New York State. Local Poverty Rates & Student Homelessness Poverty data can be a useful tool for districts in estimating the approximate number of students who may experience homelessness. According to the Urban Institute (2001 report available here ), approximately ten percent of children living in poverty will experience homelessness in a given year. Poverty data can be accessed through the U.S. Census Bureau . Please note that there are many factors outside of poverty that contribute to homelessness (for example, natural disasters, house fires, domestic violence) that may affect the reported number of homeless students. These data should not be viewed as quotas but as rough guidelines to assist school staff and service providers in thinking about the possible prevalence of homelessness in a community. This spreadsheet includes data broken down for each NYS school district with the following information: Estimated number of children ages 5-17 (school-age children) living in poverty (2019 data) 10% of children ages 5-17 living in poverty Total number of students identified as homeless by the district (2019-20 data) Number of students possibly under-identified as homeless The poverty data come from the U.S. Census Bureau. The homeless data come from the State Education Department. The number of students possibly under-identified was calculated by subtracting the homeless data from the 10% of children living in poverty data. Poverty Rates & Homeless Data (XLSX)

Unaccompanied youth are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act when the student also does not have a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence. Without a parent or guardian to help, these students may not know about their educational rights or know how to get information about their legal protections. Unaccompanied Youth An unaccompanied youth is a student who is not the physical custody of their parent or legal guardian; this includes young people who have run away from home, have been kicked out of their homes, or have been abandoned by parents. There is no age limit for unaccompanied youth, but these students are most often in their teens. Unaccompanied youth are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act when the student also does not have a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence. Without a parent or guardian to help, these students may not know about their educational rights or know how to get information about their legal protections. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Laws & Guidance Access to School Records for Unaccompanied Youth This Guidance from the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) at the U.S. Department of Education, “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Disclosure of Student Information Related to Emergencies and Disasters,” includes information that can help unaccompanied youth and their caregivers in accessing student educational records. The Guidance clarifies in question 3 that caregivers can access a student’s educational records, even if they are not legal guardians and are not related to the student. The Guidance also explains in questions 5 and 6 that schools can give unaccompanied youth full access to their own records, even when they are under 18. (After they turn 18, students also have the right to access their records.) Forms & Templates Caregiver Authorization Form School districts may develop a caregiver form that establishes the responsibilities of caregivers and requests caregivers’ contact information in place of traditional proof of guardianship for unaccompanied youth. This form is not required, but may be helpful to schools and to students. Such forms should be carefully created to avoid barriers to a student’s full participation in school and should never lead to delays in enrollment because unaccompanied youth are entitled to immediate enrollment under the McKinney-Vento Act. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(3)(C). Laws & Guidance Dear Colleague Letter on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Determinations United States Department of Education This July 29, 2015, Dear Colleague letter from the U.S. Department of Education provides guidance for financial aid administrators on the definition of homelessness, how to make determinations, and how to document students’ status. It revises the prior policy so that all applicants under age 24, including those who are 22 or 23 years old, are unaccompanied and experiencing homelessness, or are self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, qualify for a homeless youth determination and will be considered independent students. Guides & Fact Sheets Financial Aid for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth - SUMMARY The U.S. Department of Education’s Application and Verification summary of the relevant sections provides instructions and guidance to financial aid administrators and counselors who help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2017-18 edition contains important information on unaccompanied homeless youth. Guides & Fact Sheets Financial Aid for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth -GUIDE United States Department of Education The U.S. Department of Education’s Application and Verification Guide provides instructions and guidance to financial aid administrators and counselors who help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The 2017-18 edition contains important information on unaccompanied homeless youth. Forms & Templates Homeless Unaccompanied Youth Verification Form for the Purposes of Federal Financial Aid About the Source: From SchoolHouse Connection: SchoolHouse Connection is a national organization working to overcome homelessness through education. We provide strategic advocacy and technical assistance in partnership with early childhood programs, schools, institutions of higher education, service providers, families, and youth. We believe education is the only permanent solution to homelessness. Our vision is that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full access to quality learning, birth through higher education, so they will never be homeless as adults, and the next generation will never be homeless. This template form from SchoolHouse Connection can be used by LEA liaisons, HUD-funded shelter staff, and RHYA shelter staff for verifying a student’s status as an unaccompanied homeless youth for the FAFSA. Guides & Fact Sheets Increasing Access to Higher Education for Unaccompanied Youth About the Source: From NCHE: Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the Department’s technical assistance center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In this role, NCHE works with schools, service providers, parents, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can enroll and succeed in school. This NCHE brief includes a summary of education legislation prior to 2012 that gives unaccompanied homeless youth access to educational supports and provides examples of practices that high schools, colleges, and universities have used to assist these students in succeeding. Please note: this guidance does not include changes made by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) which added new protections for students in temporary housing. 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 McKinney-Vento Liaison Responsibilities to Support Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHYs) McKinney-Vento liaisons are required to assist unaccompanied homeless youths (UHYs) enroll in school immediately and are provided opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards as the State establishes for other children and youth. District liaisons are required to inform UHYs of their status as independent students under section 480 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1087vv) and that the youths may obtain assistance from the local educational agency liaison to receive verification of such status for purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483 of such Act (20 U.S.C. 1090). This document outlines the McKinney-Vento liaison’s responsibilities to support unaccompanied homeless youths. Guides & Fact Sheets NCHE: Students Living with Caregivers: Tips for Local Liaisons and School Personnel This brief explores caregiver living situations and offers strategies that local homeless education liaisons (hereafter referred to as local liaisons) and school staff can implement to ensure that these students and their caregiver families receive appropriate services. Laws & Guidance NYSED Memo: Provision of Educational Services for Recently Arrived Unaccompanied Children and Youth NYSED Field Memo This 2021 Memo from the New York State Education Department outlines important information and resources for Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding the rights of and services available to recently arrived unaccompanied children and youth. The memo includes information and guidance about immediate enrollment, free school meals, immunizations, and the English-Language Learner (ELL) identification process for unaccompanied children and youth. Website National Runaway Safeline Home Free Program NRS’ Home Free Program, a collaboration with Greyhound Lines, helps reunite runaway youth with their families, or an alternative living arrangement, through a free bus ticket home. The program has reunited more than 17,000 youth with their families. By connecting to NRS at 1-800-RUNAWAY or 1800RUNAWAY.org, youth can initiate the process to return home or to a safe alternative. 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. Forms & Templates New York State General Obligations Law, Title 15-A & Designation of Person in Parental Relation Form View and download the "New York State General Obligations Law, Title 15-A" & "Designation of Person in Parental Relation Form" and the "OCFS Designation of Person in Parental Relationship Form. Laws & Guidance New York State General Obligations Law, Title 15-A—Designation of Person in Parental Relation This law addresses a parent’s power to designate a “person in parental relation” to a child. If a parent is unable to make education-related or medical decisions for a child, they may temporarily designate another person to make those decisions on behalf of the student. Laws & Guidance New York State General Obligations Law, Title 15-A—Designation of Person in Parental Relation - WEBSITE Visit the website about this law and how it addresses a parent’s power to designate a “person in parental relation” to a child. If a parent is unable to make education-related or medical decisions for a child, they may temporarily designate another person to make those decisions on behalf of the student. Website New York State Youth Bureaus This website lists all of the New York State Youth Bureaus by county. Youth Bureaus provide many programs and resources that support youth, from after-school activities to support groups. 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. Forms & Templates OCFS Designation of Person in Parental Relationship Form OCFS Designation of Person in Parental Relationship Form: A template, from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), includes a more wide-reaching set of decision-making abilities for the “designee.” For example, this form includes medical decision-making authority, unlike the form above. If a parent is unable to make education or health-related decisions for a child, they may temporarily allow another person to make decisions on behalf of the student. The person who takes on this responsibility is called the “designee” or the “person in parental relation” to the child. The parent can limit the decision-making authority of a person in parental relation to a certain time period or certain types of decisions, as long as these limitations are noted. 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 Jillena.Strevell@nysed.gov NYSED, P.O. Box 7256 Albany, NY 12224 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. Website Runaway and Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Toolkit This Toolkit was developed by and for advocates in the runaway and homeless youth (RHY) and domestic and sexual assault (DV/SA) fields to help programs better address relationship violence with runaway and homeless youth. Guides & Fact Sheets Surrogate Parents and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 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. This document was created by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) to help school districts ensure that unaccompanied youth who are homeless and who have disabilities are able to access special education services. Website Surviving the Streets of New York: Experiences of LGBTQ Youth, YMSM, and YWSW Engaged in Survival Sex This 2015 report from The Urban Institute documents the experiences of LGBTQ youth in New York City who get involved in the commercial sex market in order to meet basic survival needs, or access food or shelter. Guides & Fact Sheets Unaccompanied Youth Issue Brief About the Source: Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the Department’s technical assistance center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In this role, NCHE works with schools, service providers, parents, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can enroll and succeed in school. NCHE Brief This NCHE brief reviews basic information about the rights of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness and explains what LEA liaisons can do to assist these students. Guides & Fact Sheets Why They Run: An In-Depth Look at America's Runaway Youth This report and its accompanying resources from the National Runaway Switchboard provides new research that sheds light on the runaway problem in America and begins to fill in the gaps of what is already known and what can be done to prevent young people from running away.

Homeless education resources regarding free meals for homeless students. Free Meals All students need good nutrition in order to learn. Students in temporary housing are always eligible to receive free meals. This is called "Categorical Eligibility." FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Laws & Guidance Effective Date of Free or Reduced Price Meal Eligibility Determinations The Food and Nutrition Service issued this memo (USDA Memo SP 11-2014) on December 3, 2013, to explain how school districts can pinpoint the date on which a student is eligible for free school meals. Local Educational Agencies (including school districts, BOCES, and charter schools) are allowed to use the date when a family turns in their school meal application as the effective date of eligibility, rather than the date a school official approves the application. This also gives school districts flexibility when schools are waiting for documentation of categorical eligibility (e.g., for homeless or migrant children) indicated on household applications. This policy makes it easier for low-income children to get free meals by allowing access to free or reduced-price meals during the eligibility determination period. It also could assist Local Educational Agencies that are experiencing challenges with unpaid debt. Laws & Guidance Eligibility Effective Date for Directly Certified Students This June 2014 memo (USDA Memo SP 51-2014) explains that the date of eligibility for free school meal or milk benefits for students in temporary housing can be the date on which documentation of eligibility is received. It also clarifies that LEAs may refund any money paid by the student or forgive any debt for meals or milk, starting from the free meal eligibility effective date through the date the direct certification is actually implemented at the school. Website Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) is a national organization with information about free school meals, SNAP, and other nutrition support programs for low-income families and children. Forms & Templates Free and Reduced Price School Meals Prototype Application To help students in temporary housing get free school meals, the McKinney-Vento liaison can submit a letter to the Food Services director as discussed in the Free Meals FAQ (see link at the top of this page), or the school district liaison can fill out the Free and Reduced Price School Meals Application on behalf of the family. A sample application form and materials from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service can be found on the USDA website, linked below. Laws & Guidance Guidance on Categorical Eligibility for School Nutrition Programs This guidance memo from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) makes it clear that many students have “categorical eligibility” for free meals, including homeless, migrant, and runaway children and youth. The memo also provides instructions for documenting the eligibility of homeless children and youth who are served under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Website Hunger Solutions New York Hunger Solutions New York, formerly the Nutrition Consortium of New York State, has useful links and information about emergency food programs in all areas of New York State. Website New York State Summer Food Service Program This website provides information on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). In New York, the Summer Food Service Program is administered in New York by the State Education Department (NYSED). The SFSP provides funding for free meals to students during the summer months when school is out. Children 18 years of age and younger are eligible to participate in SFSP. Persons over 18 years old who are physically or mentally disabled and participating in a public or nonprofit private school program established for children with these disabilities may also participate. Website New York State Summer Food Service Program -Find Summer Meals This website has information on the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Summer Food Service Program. In New York, the Summer Food Service Program is administered in New York by the State Education Department (NYSED). It funds free meals for students during the summer months when school is out. Children 18 years of age and younger are eligible to participate in the Summer Food Service Program. Persons over 18 years old who are physically or mentally disabled and who also participate in a public or nonprofit private school program for children with these disabilities can also participate.

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.

Special education for students in temporary housing. Special Education Special education offers instruction that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, at no cost to parents. The McKinney-Vento Act works together with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to ensure that the needs of students in temporary housing with special needs are met. FAQs for this topic Topic Resources View topic by category: Laws & Guidance Dear Colleague Letter on Education for Highly Mobile Children The “Dear Colleague Letter” on Education Highly Mobile Children from the U.S. Dept of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) includes important information about expedited evaluations and provision of comparable services when highly mobile students transfer districts. Laws & Guidance IDEA Regulations United States Department of Education This website contains the most up-to-date regulations written by the U.S. Department of Education for the implementation of IDEA. Forms & Templates IDEA Sample Complaint Form New York State Education Department Parents, individuals, or organizations may use this form if they believe a school district or public agency has violated a requirement of Part B of IDEA or New York State laws or regulations related to students with special needs. This model form, which includes the elements required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may be used to submit a complaint to the New York State Education Department (SED). Guides & Fact Sheets Navigating the Intersections of the McKinney-Vento Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: Coordination to Help Homeless Children and Youth with Disabilities Homeless children and youth face educational challenges that include a lack of basic necessities, such as food, clothing, and medical services; discontinuity of education due to mobility; and trauma caused by the chaos, poverty, and instability of their family’s circumstances, or in the case of an unaccompanied homeless youth, their own circumstances About the Source Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the Department’s technical assistance center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In this role, NCHE works with schools, service providers, parents, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can enroll and succeed in school. Website Parent Training and Information Centers - STATE FUNDED There are fourteen state-funded parent training and information centers. Parent centers provide information and trainings to parents about special education issues. Some also provide advocacy and case management services in specific geographic regions. Website Parent Training and Information Centers -FEDERALLY FUNDED There are six federally-funded parent training and information centers. Parent centers provide information and trainings to parents about special education issues. Some also provide advocacy and case management services in specific geographic regions. Laws & Guidance Regulations of the Commissioner of Education: Students with Disabilities New York State Education Department This document provides the most up-to-date special education regulations from the New York State Education Department and includes information on IEP evaluations, school discipline, transportation, and other subjects. N.Y.C.R.R. § 200-201. Guides & Fact Sheets School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities: Information for Parents NCHE Brief This document was created by the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) to provide information to parents about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how it can help students in temporary housing with special needs. About the Source Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the Department’s technical assistance center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In this role, NCHE works with schools, service providers, parents, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can enroll and succeed in school. Guides & Fact Sheets Special Education Glossary The special education vocabulary includes many unique terms and abbreviations. These guides can be a helpful tool each time you encounter a new term each time you encounter a new term. Website Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Offices New York State Education Department The NYSED Special Education Quality Assurance Regional Offices provide information and technical assistance to parents, school district personnel, and to private providers about special education services. Guides & Fact Sheets Supporting Homeless Children and Youth with Disabilities: Legislative Provisions in the McKinney-Vento Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Act NCHE Brief This document created by the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) provides information about how the Individual with Disabilities Education Act and the McKinney-Vento Act can work together to provide services to students in temporary housing with special needs. About the Source Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) operates the Department’s technical assistance center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. In this role, NCHE works with schools, service providers, parents, and other interested stakeholders to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness can enroll and succeed in school. Guides & Fact Sheets Surrogate Parents and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act This document was created by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) to help school districts ensure that unaccompanied youth who are homeless and who have disabilities are able to access special education services. 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. Laws & Guidance The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is federal legislation that addresses the public education of children and youth with special needs.

Find data on homelessness through the years. Select a school year or download the most recent available data by clicking the icon below. Data on Student Homelessness Select a school year or download the most recent available data by clicking the icon below. SIRS Data on Student Homelessness – 3 Year Summary This spreadsheet contains data on the number of students who experienced homelessness at any point in the school years 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24. The data were collected by the New York State Education Department in the Student Information Repository System (SIRS) and reflect students enrolled in New York State School Districts and New York State Charter Schools. DOWNLOAD SIRS DATA ON STUDENT HOMELESSNESS -3 YEAR SUMMARY 2024-2025 (XLSX) 2023-2024 (XLSX) 2022-2023 (XLSX) 2021-2022 (XLSX) 2020-2021 (XLSX) 2019-2020 (XLSX) 2018-2019 (XLSX) 2017-2018 (XLSX) 2016-2017 (XLSX) 2015-2016 (XLSX) 2014-2015 (XLSX) 2013-2014 (XLSX) 2012-2013 (XLSX) 2011-2012 (XLSX) 2010-2011 (XLSX) 2009-2010 (XLSX) SIRS Data 2024-25 SIRS Data 2023-24 SIRS Data 2022-23 2022-23 SIRS Data (XLSX) SIRS Data 2021-22 2021-22 SIRS Data (XLSX) SIRS Data 2020-21 2020-21 SIRS Data (XLSX)

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

Resources for parents and students under the McKinney-Vento Act. The McKinney- Vento Act This act ensures that homeless students (PreK-12) have equal access to a free appropriate public education as other students. Click on the document to the right to read more about your rights. This document answers questions you may have and where to go for help. Read the FAQs Parents & Students An Overview of McKinney-Vento Overview of McKinney-Vento GIVE US A CALL. If you have a question about whether your child is eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act, including transportation, school selection, enrollment, and more, call our Infoline at 800-388-2014. Browse Our Resources View topic by category: College Access ACT Fee Waivers ACT Fee Waivers: The ACT webpage describes the steps that economically disadvantaged high school juniors or seniors should follow to receive a fee waiver for taking the ACT college entrance exam. McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution/Appeal Process Appeal Form When a dispute arises about whether a student should be considered homeless or where the student should go to school, the McKinney-Vento liaison must help the parent or youth file an appeal with the Commissioner of the State Education Department using this form. McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution/Appeal Process Appeal Sample Evidence This document provides a list of examples of evidence that families may include in an appeal in order to show that the student is homeless under McKinney-Vento. Early Childhood Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCRRs) Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (CCRRs) provide services to parents and day care providers in every county of New York State. If you are looking for child care, the CCRR in your county is a great place to start. Housing Resources - New York State Community Action Agency Community Action Agency to get help with education, employment, and family support services NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York State Community-Based Housing Organizations NYS Homes and Community Renewal to get information about affordable housing, including the Rent Info Line (718) 739-6400 to get information and help for tenants of rent controlled and rent stabilized apartments. NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution/Appeal Process Dispute Resolution/Appeals Process (Resource Library) 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. Read about the steps to take to resolve these situations. Early Childhood Free or Low-Cost Child Care for Children Six Weeks to Two Years Old EarlyLearn programs provide free or low-cost child care and education for children six weeks to two years old. There are hundreds of programs in New York City that offer safe and positive learning environments for children. Housing Resources - New York City HRA Infoline HRA Infoline (718) 557-1399 to get information about a One-Shot Deal (emergency grant to help people pay for an expense because of an unexpected situation) NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Early Childhood Head Start Center Locator Head Start Center Locator can be used by families nationwide. Housing Resources - New York City HomeBase HomeBase to get eviction prevention and housing search help NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York City Housing Court Answers Housing Court Answers or call (212) 962-4795 to get help with eviction prevention and other housing issues NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) to apply for low- and moderate-income housing NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York State LawHelp.org LawHelp.org to find legal services or eviction prevention services (for example, help paying back rent, help with an eviction case in court, etc.) NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution/Appeal Process List of Legal Service 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. Housing Resources - New York State Local Department of Social Services Local Department of Social Services to get shelter and housing referrals NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. General Information McKinney-Vento Act : A Summary This document summarizes some of the McKinney-Vento Act’s core provisions. Housing Resources - New York City NYC Housing Connect NYC Housing Connect to find and apply for affordable housing, including housing lotteries NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York State NYHousingSearch NYHousingSearch to find affordable homes and apartments in NY State NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York City NYHousingSearch NYHousingSearch to find affordable homes and apartments in NY State NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Housing Resources - New York City New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to apply for public housing public housing NOTE: NYS-TEACHS is not a direct provider of housing resources, but here are some suggestions for agencies who provide housing services and referrals. Special Education Parent Training and Information Centers These organizations provide information and trainings to parents about special education issues. General Information Posters and Brochures Is your housing uncertain? This poster and brochure provide information about the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness. College Access SAT Fee Waivers Information about receiving fee waivers for SAT and ACT. Special Education School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities – Information for Parents A helpful guide from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE). If you and your family are experiencing homelessness, you may be struggling to enroll and keep your children in school. If you have a child with special needs, you may have even more challenges to make sure your child receives the help he or she needs. Special Education Special Education (Resource Library) This document was created by the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) to provide information to parents about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and how it can help students in temporary housing with special needs. General Information Tip Sheet for Parents & Guardians This Tip Sheet explains school selection, transportation, and services for students experiencing homelessness. College Access Understanding FAFSA: The How-To Guide for High School Students The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. This guide is designed to help students and families navigate the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to get financial aid for college. The guide will be particularly useful for students who are among the first in their family to go to college or are new to the country.