SEARCH RESULTS

View the webinar Supporting Students in Temporary Housing with Title 1 Set-Aside Funds in New York City Supporting Students in Temporary Housing with Title 1 Part A Set-Aside Funds in New York City Under the McKinney-Vento Act, school districts must remove barriers for students in temporary housing to attend and succeed in school. Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides financial assistance to local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. The webinar will provide information on the purpose of Title 1 funds and how these funds can be used to support students living in temporary housing. By the end of today’s webinar, participants will be able to: Explain the general principles regarding how to use STH Title 1 funds. Identify allowable and unallowable expenditures using Title 1 funds. Assess the needs of your STH student population to align with the spending of Title 1 funds. Describe how the McKinney-Vento Act and STH Title 1 programs work together to meet the needs of students in temporary housing. Learn about the allocation of STH Title 1 funds allotted to each school. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

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

View the webinar about Trauma Informed Family Engagement Trauma Informed Family Engagement Families in temporary housing may experience trauma due to sudden loss of housing, economic hardship, or adjusting to the conditions of shelter life. Family connections with schools can have a positive impact on student success. This webinar will explore the impact of trauma on safety and well-being and explore ways to affirm family experiences through trauma-sensitive practices. Participants will: Identify different types of trauma, including intergenerational and systemic trauma. Understand the impact of trauma, as well as discrimination and racism, on students and families through the lens of equity and social determinants of health. Explore strategies to support, engage and empower families with cultural humility, respect, and empathy. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint DOC of Online Resources Back to Professional Learning

Find resources to help you determine eligibility for students in temporary housing here. Determining Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Button The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that discusses the public education of children and youth in temporary housing. Under McKinney-Vento and state law, students are considered to be in temporary housing if their nighttime residence is not fixed, regular, and adequate. Some examples of temporary housing include: Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship or other similar reason Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, camping grounds Living in emergency or transitional shelters Abandoned in hospitals Living a in public or private place not designed for sleeping Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc. Migratory living in circumstances described above FAQ for this topic View topic by category: 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. For more information, please see our page on student privacy. 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. Guides & Fact Sheets Determining Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Rights and Services NCHE Brief This issue brief, from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE), provides background on the McKinney-Vento Act and is designed to help school staff members in applying the definition of homelessness under the law to individual children and youth. 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 Determining McKinney-Vento Eligibility for Students in Direct Placements NYS Education Department The purpose of this field memo is to assist Local Child Education Agencies (LEAs) and McKinney-Vento liaisons (also known as LEA liaisons or homeless liaisons) with McKinney-Vento eligibility determinations when a student has been removed from his/her home because of an allegation of abuse or neglect and the child welfare agency arranges for a relative or family friend to assume temporary custody of the student, rather than place the student in foster care. In most of these cases, at least initially, the student should be considered homeless and therefore protected under the McKinney-Vento Act and related state law. Forms & Templates Housing Questionnaire (English) NYS Education Department The Housing Questionnaire should be used by all school districts as the first page of the enrollment packet for all newly enrolling students. The Housing Questionnaire should also be given to all students/families any time they report a change of address. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires all LEAs that receive Title I funds (including school districts, charter schools, and BOCES) to use the Housing Questionnaire. NYSED also encourages all other LEAs to use the Housing Questionnaire because it asks about students’ living arrangements in order to identify students experiencing homelessness in the school district. Forms & Templates Housing Questionnaire (Spanish) NYS Education Department The Housing Questionnaire should be used by all school districts as the first page of the enrollment packet for all newly enrolling students. The Housing Questionnaire should also be given to all students/families any time they report a change of address. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires all LEAs that receive Title I funds (including school districts, charter schools, and BOCES) to use the Housing Questionnaire. NYSED also encourages all other LEAs to use the Housing Questionnaire because it asks about students’ living arrangements in order to identify students experiencing homelessness in the school district. Laws & Guidance McKinney-Vento Guidance Regarding Shared Housing Affidavit NYSED Field Memo NYSED’s McKinney-Vento Field Memo #06-2009 (October 2009) describes the limits on when school districts can use shared housing and proof of residency affidavits in the enrollment of students claiming to be homeless. Note: This memo was published in 2009 and thus does not contain the most up-to-date housing questionnaire. For that document, please see Housing Questionnaire. 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 Tips for Parents and Guardians NYS TEACHS This issue brief, from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE), provides background on the McKinney-Vento Act and is designed to help school staff members in applying the definition of homelessness under the law to individual children and youth. Forms & Templates NYC Housing Questionnaire NYC Department of Education The NYC Department of Education’s Housing Questionnaire must be given to all students/families when they enroll and any time they report a change of address. The Housing Questionnaire asks about students’ living arrangements in order to identify and provide services to students in temporary housing. To get this form in other languages go to: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/enrollment/enrollment-help/new-students#jump-to-heading-37 Laws & Guidance New York State Education Law Section 3209, Education of Homeless Children NYS Education Law Section 3209 describes the rights of students in temporary housing in New York State. Important changes to New York Education Law Section 3209 went into effect on April 20, 2017. The changes to this law reflect changes to the federal McKinney-Vento Act that were made under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Below, along with the link to download the new text of the law, you will find a link to a marked-up version of Education Law § 3209 that highlights the changes. Laws & Guidance New York State Education Law Section 3209, Education of Homeless Children - RED LINED VERSION NYS Education Law Section 3209 describes the rights of students in temporary housing in New York State. Important changes to New York Education Law Section 3209 went into effect on April 20, 2017. The changes to this law reflect changes to the federal McKinney-Vento Act that were made under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Below, along with the link to download the new text of the law, you will find a link to a marked-up version of Education Law § 3209 that highlights the changes. Laws & Guidance Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths United States Department of Education On March 2, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) revised the Non-Regulatory Guidance for the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program. This revised Non-Regulatory Guidance replaces the July 2016 Guidance and includes new questions and answers on the amendments to the McKinney-Vento Act made by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which took effect on October 1, 2016, and new technical assistance on promising practices for implementing homeless education requirements at the State and local levels. The Non-Regulatory Guidance can be downloaded below. An accompanying factsheet is also available. In July 2018, U.S. DOE published a letter and addendum to the Non-Regulatory Guidance regarding Title I set-asides for students experiencing homelessness. Forms & Templates Sample Enrollment Process for Students in Temporary Housing Every Local Educational Agency (LEA) must ensure that students who are experiencing homelessness are immediately enrolled in school. This is a Sample Enrollment Process that school districts may follow for immediately enrolling students experiencing homelessness. Laws & Guidance Supporting the Success of Homeless Children and Youths United States Department of Education Fact Sheet Forms & Templates Template End-of-Year Letter NYS-TEACHS Districts are encouraged to check in with parents whose children are McKinney-Vento eligible (or youth themselves in the case of unaccompanied homeless youth) at the end of each school year to determine whether their housing situation has changed and make appropriate arrangements for the next school year if there has been a change. This template letter can be used to reach out to families for this purpose.

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 EarlyLearn NYC – Childcare and Head Start programs EarlyLearn NYC – Childcare and Head Start programs provide early care and education to children and NYC who meet eligibility criteria. 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.

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

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

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.

Find information about the role of the McKinney-Vento Liaison in schools as they assist students experiencing temporary housing. LIAISONS Learn about McKinney-Vento liaisons, their role, and how to contact your local liaison. McKinney-Vento and the Role of the Liaison Explore some of the resources liaisons reference when assisting students in temporary housing. + Read More Find a Homeless Liaison Contact Are you looking for the name of the Homeless Liaison in your school district? + Homeless Liaison Contact List A Systems Thinking Approach Read the New York State System for Homeless Student Support (SHSS) summary, why viewing their role from the “systems thinking” perspective will help liaisons, and how to learn more. + Read More

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.

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.

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