Linking Resources

for Children and

Youth Experiencing

Homelessness

P.O. Box 5367

Greensboro, NC 27435

f

uth

s individuals who

idence and includes

ousing of other

rdship, or a similar

parks, or camping

quate accommoda

nal shelters; are

ster care placement

ighttime residence

or or ordinarily used

man beings

 parks, public

housing, bus or

ction 1309 of the

 1965) who qualify as

ause the children are

) through (iii)

 Act of 2001, Title VII,

 Title X, Part C of the

ft Behind Act of 2001

What Are the Educational Rights

of Children and Youth

Experiencing Homelessness?

Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to

Go to school, no matter where they live or how long theyhave lived there. They must be given access to the samepublic education, including preschool education, providedto other children.Continue in the school they last attended before theybecame homeless or the school they last attended, if thatis the parent’s or youth’s choice and is feasible. If a staffmember of a school sends the child or youth to a schoolother than the one requested, the staff member mustprovide a written explanation and offer the right to appealthe decision.Receive transportation to the school they attended beforethe family or youth became homeless or the school they lastattended, if the parent or youth requests such transportation.Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schoolscannot require proof of residency that might prevent ordelay school enrollment.Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for thetransfer of school and immunization records or any otherdocuments required for enrollment.Enroll and attend classes in the school of choice evenwhile the school and parent or youth seek to resolve adispute over the selected school. (The school districtlocal liaison for homeless education will assist youthswith the dispute process.)Receive the same special programs and services, ifneeded, as provided to all other children or youthsserved in these programs.Receive transportation to school and to school programs.
e lives of

hildren and

lace where

quire the

d to help

e poverty.”

Coalition for

eless

“As the cornerstoneof communitiesand a focal partof children’s lives,schools are in aunique position to

respond effectivelyto family and youthhomelessness.”

—Making the Grade,

1999

Functions of NCHE

Operate a Clearinghouse for Information

on Homeless Education

Develop and Disseminate Public Awareness Materials

Disseminate Information on Effective Practices

Provide Information and Assistance to

State Coordinators, Local Liaisons for

Homeless Education, Service Providers, Educators,

Parents, and Advocates

Conduct Annual National Symposium

on Homeless Education

Operate a Toll-Free HelpLine and Website

Call our NCHE HelpLine

1-800-308-2145

The center will provide important resource and referralinformation forParents seeking contact information about

School enrollment, transportationHomeless shelters, soup kitchensSocial and community services

School personnel seeking information about

Homeless programs, resourcesBest practicesMcKinney-Vento legislation

Shelter providers seeking assistance for homelessfamilies with school enrollment and access toappropriate educational opportunitiesCommunity organizations and individuals interestedin networking on behalf of homeless children andtheir familiesAll persons with interest in federal/state legislationprotecting the rights of homeless children and youth tofree and appropriate public education

ter for

 (NCHE)

h and informa

y address the

nd their families.

resource and

complex issues

less children,

rmation

 organizations

cation of

rch and guide

knowledge base

ren, youth, and

cation is housed

rganizations

 and headquar

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f Education, the

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ess children and

es.

Visit the NCHE Website

www.serve.org/nche

The website provides current and comprehensiveinformation on

Understanding McKinney-Vento legislation

Contacting State Coordinators of Educationfor Homeless Children and YouthAccessing state & local resourcesLinking to other organizations that addresshomeless issuesLinking to current documents and reportsAccessing information by topicLinking to the ERIC database

For further information about NCHE, contact

Ms. Diana Bowman, Director

National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE

P.O. Box 5367

Greensboro, NC 27435

1-800-755-3277

E-mail: homeless@serve.org

or dbowman@serve.org