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

View the webinar Planning Your LEA Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program The Role of Transportation Under the McKinney-Vento Act The intent of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to remove barriers to enrollment and attendance in school to ensure academic success. This webinar will address the key provisions of transportation for students experiencing homelessness. This webinar will focus on transportation in New York State, not New York City. By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the transportation provisions in the McKinney-Vento Act and NYS Guidance. Identify the benefits of providing transportation to students experiencing homelessness. Utilize the transportation guide for future decision-making. Plan how to address challenges in providing transportation for McKinney-Vento eligible students. Access resources to support decision-making around transportation. Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint NYS TEACHS Transportation Guide for Students in Temporary Housing For more resources, visit the Transportation page . Back to Professional Learning

View the webinar "The 2022-2025 McKinney-Vento Grant Program Informational Webinar" The 2022-2025 McKinney-Vento Grant Program Informational Webinar The McKinney-Vento Competitive Grant is available every three years through a competitive application process administered by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). Grant funding is now available to LEAs (School Districts, Charter Schools, and BOCES) for the 2022-2025 school years. This informational webinar will: Explain the purpose of the McKinney-Vento Competitive Grant. Clarify the grant application process Describe the sections of the grant application Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint 2022-2025 McKinney-Vento Grant Program Back to Professional Learning

These printable handbooks relay disaster-related school information to parents, relief agencies, and school districts. NCHE's Connecting Schools and Displaced Students Handbook Series These printable handbooks relay disaster-related school information to parents, relief agencies, and school districts. After the Storm: Information for Parents on How Schools Can Help After Disasters A Parent Handbook From the School Office to the Classroom: Strategies for Enrolling and Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness A Liaison, Enrollment Staff & School District Administrators Handbook Disaster Relief Agencies and Schools: Working Together to Ensure School Enrollment and Success A Liaison & State Coordinator Handbook The School as a Safety Net: Connecting Displaced Children With Education and Support Services A Relief Agency Staff & Volunteer Handbook Back to Disaster & Emergency Response

Awareness Materials Awareness materials can aid in informing, training, and discussing the McKinney-Vento Act and homeless education with school personnel and social service providers. Topic Resources View topic by category: Guides & Fact Sheets Interactive Learning Series: Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness Want to enhance your knowledge around family homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act? This series from Office of Head Start’s Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (OHS ECLKC) is designed to help Head Start and other early childhood care professionals learn how to identify families experiencing homelessness, conduct community outreach, and build relationships with families and providers. 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 Give Every Child a Home At Head Start Download this poster about the Head Start program. Guides & Fact Sheets Caring for the Health and Wellness of Children Experiencing Homelessness National Center for Early Childhood Health and Wellness: Excerpted from Providing Care for Children and Adolescents Facing Homelessness Guides & Fact Sheets Home at Head Start Policy Council Discussion: Enrolling Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness Guides & Fact Sheets Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness: An Introduction to the Issues This brief from the National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) provides an overview of issues within the field of homeless education, and is particularly helpful for introducing new people to the field or introducing the issue to those outside of the field. Guides & Fact Sheets Techniques for Navigating Challenging Conversations This tip sheet from NYS-TEACHS guides the user through best practices for having conversations about housing status with families. We provide best practices for common scenarios. Guides & Fact Sheets Recomendaciones Para Padres y Tutores

STAC 202 forms when a student has been designated as homeless, and specifies the name of the district the student will be attending STAC 202 Forms The STAC-202 form indicates that a student has been designated as homeless, and specifies the name of the district the student will be attending. It is also used by local districts to request reimbursement from NYSED for the costs of education a temporarily housed student who moves into the district from another school district in New York State. In accordance with Federal and State legislation, all personally identifiable information (PII) must be sent to the STAC Unit via one of the following approved modes of transmission: SED File Transfer Manager (FTM): Sign Up for access to SED File Transfer Manager Fax to (518) 402-5047, with notification to the recipient of when the information will be sent. US Mail 1st Class/Priority, or with another service with tracking (UPS, DHL, or FedEx). Sign Up Here Log In Here English Spanish Back to STAC-202

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.

View the webinar Supporting Young Children Living in Temporary Housing Supporting Young Children Living in Temporary Housing This webinar will focus on how the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act applies to young children, specifically preschoolers who experience homelessness. Participants will be given tools and resources to assist in working with families with young children who are experiencing homelessness. Included within this session will be an overview of how the federal law applies to homelessness of children with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to: Identify key provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act as it pertains to the rights of young children. Use knowledge of the importance of early childhood education to support children experiencing homelessness. Determine eligibility and provide benefits for preschool students based on the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act. Utilize resources for preschool children and their families who are experiencing homelessness Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Is My Early Childhood Program a McKinney-Vento “Preschool?”: NYSED Field Memo: June 24, 2005 New York State Housing Questionnaire For more resources, visit the Early Childhood page . Back to Professional Learning

Members

View the webinar Becoming Trauma Informed to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness, Parts 1, 2, & 3. Becoming Trauma Informed to Support Students Experiencing Homelessness This three-part series is an introduction to becoming trauma informed. It is recommended that you attend all three sessions as each session connects to the information in the prior session. At the conclusion of this three-part series, participants will be able to: Describe the types of traumas and the impact on the brain and behavior. Identify strategies to create safe and supportive school environments in your role as a McKinney-Vento liaison. Apply knowledge and strategies for self-care and coping with secondary traumatic stress. Session 1: Understanding Trauma This session will focus on building a foundation of knowledge to understand trauma and its impact on the brain and behavior. Key terms, including stress, chronic stress, and trauma will be explained to develop a common language and understanding. Opportunities will be provided to explore the types of trauma and examples of trauma and chronic stressors. will be explored. Session 2: Practices and Strategies for Safety and Support This session will provide an overview of the principles of trauma-sensitive or -informed care. Opportunities will be provided to explore strategies to create safe and supportive environments that account for brain functioning under stress or trauma. Participants will reflect on how these strategies and practices can apply to their work in the liaison role. Session 3: Self-Care and Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress This session will focus on the application of the knowledge and concepts explored in becoming trauma informed to experiences in the liaison role. Opportunities will be provided to engage in discussion on the types of risks and stressors encountered in working with families and students experiencing homelessness and strategies to identify and cope with these challenges. Participants will then connect and share their own support and self-care strategies followed by an overview of the supports and services provided by NYS TEACHS. Session 1 Session 1: Understanding Trauma Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning Session 2: Practices & Strategies for Safety and Support Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning Session 2 Session 3: Self-Care and Coping with Secondary Traumatic Stress Session 3 Key Resources PDF of PowerPoint Back to Professional Learning

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

Want to enhance your knowledge around family homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act? This series is designed to help Head Start and other early childhood care professionals learn how to identify families experiencing homelessness, conduct community outreach, and build relationships with families and providers. Interactive Learning Series: Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness Want to enhance your knowledge around family homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act? This series from Office of Head Start’s Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (OHS ECLKC) is designed to help Head Start and other early childhood care professionals learn how to identify families experiencing homelessness, conduct community outreach, and build relationships with families and providers. The eight modules in the series are listed below. Each module takes approximately 30 minutes to work through and includes a certificate upon completion. We also recommend these additional resources from OHS ECLKC: Caring for the Health and Wellness of Children Experiencing Homelessness (PDF ) Policy Council Guiding Discussion Questions: Homelessness (PDF ) Recruitment Flyer for Parents Experiencing Homelessness (PDF ) State and Community Homelessness Maps (Web Link ) Website Module 1: Overview of Homelessness Module 3: Understanding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act’s Definition of “Homelessness” Module 5: Identifying and Reaching out to Families Experiencing Homelessness Module 7: Building Relationships with Families Module 2: Understanding Family Homelessness Module 4: Determining a Family’s Homeless Situation Module 6: Enhancing Program Access and Participation for Children Experiencing Homelessness Module 8: Connecting with Community Partners Module 9: Partnering with Families Experiencing Homelessness Due to Domestic Violence Back to Early Childhood Education