Homeless Education Support
According to the McKinney-Vento Law, each school district must:
- Immediately enroll homeless students in the regular school program despite the lack of transcripts, immunization records, and other documentation.
- Provide transportation to homeless students so that they can remain in their school of origin.
- Supply materials homeless students need to participate in the regular school program and activities.
- Enroll homeless students in a free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs.
- Identify a Homeless Liaison, who:
- Connects homeless families with available community resources.
- Assists the family or youth efforts to gather documentation typically needed for school and to connect with public health as needed.
- Facilitates the establishment, maintenance, acquisition, and transfer of academic and immunization records for homeless students.
- Coordinates the training of school staff on issues surrounding the education of homeless students and the McKinney-Vento Law.
Who is Eligible for Support and Services?
District Homeless students are identified through the collaboration of district enrollment staff, teachers, and the district homeless liaison (Rylee Ownbey, Federal Programs Director), who meets the criteria of "Homeless" as described by the McKinney Vento Act.
Students may be eligible for services if they are in one of the following housing situations:
- Doubled-up with friends or family due to lack of affordable housing
- Couch-surfing
- Living at an emergency or domestic violence shelter
- Sleeping in a car, tent, camper, public space, or other place not meant for shelter
- Living in “substandard” housing, or housing that poses a health or safety concern (mold, no heat/water/electric, etc.)
- Temporarily living in a hotel due to lack of affordable housing
Students can be with a family unit that is experiencing housing insecurity or they may be on their own. Students in one of the above situations and not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian are considered Unaccompanied Youth.
What Support Resources are Available?
The district homeless liaison works collaboratively with local organizations (Victims of violence community shelter, Valdez Counseling Center, Valdez Infant Learning Program, Valdez food bank, employment service center) on a regular basis, to meet the diverse and unique needs of homeless students, and to provide support encouraging academic success. Title 1-A funds are utilized to support the transportation needs, assessment fees, supplies, and materials supporting academic success for homeless students (Grades PreK - 12th) and office supplies/materials for the program. The liaison will assist the student(s) with enrollment, transportation, academic services, referral services, and other services as necessary to ensure that student needs are met, and provide opportunities for academic success. Annual training will be provided to all district staff in the areas of identification, student rights, and available services to ensure the academic success of homeless students.
Additional Resources For VCS Staff:
- Teacher Resources from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
- Flowchart for McKinney-Vento Eligibility Determinations
- Determining Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Rights and Services from the National Center for Homeless Education
- Title X-C Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Resources For Families:
- Tips for Parents on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
- Family Resources from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development
- Homeless Information from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development
- Housing Information and Resource Assistance from the Association of Alaska Housing Authorities
- Alaska Community Services Database
- Alaska Public Assistance