So off to google, search Cleveland OH homeless students. Need to put the OH in there or end up with Cleveland Tennessee results! WOW a boat load of information.
First thing that catches my eye-- ODE, Homeless Students: Ohio Department of Education. Well we have enough in Ohio for a whole section to be dedicated them in the ADMINISTRATION area at that. There sections seems to be providing resources and facts to all admininistrators in schools throughout Ohio about a particular act of federal legislation--Any child lacking a fixed, regular or adequate residence, protected by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which allows enrollment of homeless students in their schools of origin or district of residence, despite a lack of records. The overview page had lots of referring links and of course as well as a new phrase to look up too--McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Homeless Education is a collaboration between McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance, Title 1 and the No Child Left Behind Title 10c. There is actually a 12 minute online training session that take you through all the different connections for any who are interested. Also at the document library, there was a form all districts must download that collects data for homeless students in the districts, excluding preschoolers.
The downloadable posters at the National Center for Homeless Education are a tad more informative. Click here to download a copy. The text of the poster is copied below.
If you live in any of the following situations:
• Inashelter,motel,vehicle,orcampground
• On the street
• Inanabandonedbuilding,trailer,orotherinadequateaccommodations,or • Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing.
Then, you have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.
You have the right to:
• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there.You must be given access to the same public education provided to other students.
• Continueintheschoolyouattendedbeforeyoubecamehomeless or the school you last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. The school district’s local liaison for homeless education must assist you, if needed, and offer you the right to appeal a decision regarding your choice of school if it goes against your wishes.
• Receivetransportationtotheschoolyouattendedbeforeyou became homeless or the school you last attended, if you request such transportation.
• Attendaschoolandparticipateinschoolprogramswithstudents who are not homeless. Students cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
• Enrollinschoolwithoutgivingapermanentaddress.Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
• Enrollandattendclasseswhiletheschoolarrangesforthetransfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
• Enrollandattendclassesintheschoolofyourchoiceevenwhile the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrollment.
• Receivethesamespecialprogramsandservices,ifneeded,as provided to all other students served in these programs.
• Receivetransportationtoschoolandtoschoolprograms.
When you move, you should do the following:
- Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling in a new school or arranging to continue in your former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)
- Tell your teachers anything that you think they need to know to help you in school.
- Ask thelocal liaison for homeless education,theshelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.
If you need further assistance, call the NationalCenterforHomelessEducation at the toll-free HelpLine number: 1-800-308-2145
