Project Help/Proyecto Ayuda
Participating Schools: Alamosa School District RE 11J, Centennial R-1, Center
Consolidated School District 26JT, Creede School District, Del Norte School
District, Moffat School District #2, Monte Vista School District, North Conejos SD
RE 1-J, Sanford School District, South Conejos School District, Sangre De Cristo
School District, Sargent School District, Sierra Grande School District
Table of Contents
GENERAL INFORMATION
MVP Contact Information 5
Services Provided by the McKinney-Vento Program 4
The Role of the School District McKinney Vento Liaison 5
Liaison Tip Sheet with Monthly Recommendations 6
ELGIBILITY AND RIGHTS
Eligibility and Rights of McKinney Vento Students 9
The Educational Rights of Homeless Children 11
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
SLV BOCES Board Policy
Homeless Education Procedures 20
School of Choice and Transportation Procedures 24
Free Meal Procedures 23
TIP SHEETS
Counselor Tip Sheet 28
Enrollment Staff Tip Sheet 31
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Frequently Asked Questions 33
How can you use Title I set asides34
CONTACT INFORMATION
School District LIAISON CONTACT INFORMATION
School District
Liaison:
Alamosa School District
Carrie Zimmerman
Alamosa School District Building Liaisons
e-mail address
Phone:
[email protected]
K-2 Kristaly Higareda
719-587-1600
719- 587-6600
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
Centennial R-1 School District
Talia Guerrero
[email protected]
719-672-3322
Center School District
Susan Banning
[email protected]
719-754-2232
Creede School District
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
McKinney Vento
Jody Stroh
[email protected]
719-658-2220
Del Norte School District
Robin Medina
[email protected]
719-657-4040
Moffat School District
Elise Lovato
[email protected]
719-256-4710
Monte Vista School District
Kathy Ellithorpe
[email protected]
[email protected]
3-5 Toni Alonzo
719-587-6650
[email protected]
6-8 Bea Nuanes
719-587-1679
[email protected]
9-12 Amy Ortega
719-587-6000
[email protected]
Page 1
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
School District
Liaison:
e-mail address
Phone:
719-852-3586
North Conejos School District
Mr. Curtis Wilson
[email protected]
719-274-5174
Sanford School District
Kelly Norton
[email protected].
719-274-5167
South Conejos School District
Angela Montoya
[email protected]
(719) 376-5407
Sangre Schools
Mavi Apodaca
[email protected]
719- 378-2321
Sargent School District
Nicole Clark
[email protected]
719-852-4023
Sierra Grande School District
Dawnia Cooper
[email protected]
719-379-3259
SLV BOCES PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Martha Martinez
(719) 587-6862
[email protected]
WEBSITE: Go to the San Luis Valley BOCES website at
slvboces.org and
click on “departments”. You will find the McKinney-Vento program there.
McKinney Vento
Page 2
SERVICES PROVIDED BY MCKINNEY-VENTO PROGRAM
 Technical support and training to all school districts as well
as agencies within those districts.
 Collaboration with community agencies to ensure that these
families have their basic needs met.
 School supplies, hygiene kits and a small budget that allows
schools to distribute food to those students who are facing
food insecurities.
McKinney Vento
Page 3
THE ROLE OF MCKINNEY VENTO
LIAISON
The Homeless Liaisons are Local Educational Agency (LEA) staff responsible for ensuring
the identification, school enrollment, attendance, and opportunities for academic success of
students in homeless situations. Some of these activities may be performed by the local liaison
himself or herself, while others are accomplished by coordinating the efforts of other staff.
Local liaisons must ensure that:
Children and youth in homeless situations are identified by school personnel and
through coordination activities with other entities and agencies.
Students experiencing homelessness enroll, and have full and equal opportunity to
succeed, in school.
Families, children, and youth experiencing homelessness receive educational services
for which they are eligible, including Head Start, Even Start, and preschool programs
administered by the LEA; and referrals to health, mental health, dental, and other
appropriate services.
Public notice of the educational rights of students in homeless situations is disseminated
where children and youth receive services.
Some things Liaisons do…
Parents or guardians of students experiencing homelessness are informed of
educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with
meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.
Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with the Enrollment Disputes section of
the McKinney-Vento Act.
McKinney Vento
Page 4
Parents, guardians and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness are fully
informed of all transportation services provided under the McKinney-Vento Act, including
transportation to the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing these services.
Assist homeless children and youth who do not have immunization or medical records to
obtain such records.
Help unaccompanied youth choose and enroll in a school, after considering the youths’
wishes, and provide youth with notice of their right to appeal an enrollment decision that
is contrary to their wishes.
Ensure that unaccompanied youth are enrolled in school immediately pending the
resolution of any dispute that may arise over school enrollment or placement.
Collaborate and coordinate with State Coordinators for Homeless Education and
community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related
services to children and youth in homeless situations.
State coordinators and LEAs must educate school personnel, service providers, and
advocates who work with families in homeless situations about the duties of the local
homeless education liaison.
McKinney Vento
Page 5
TIP SHEET WITH MONTHLY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SCHOOL
DISTRICT LIAISONS
Summer Months:
Make sure housing surveys are in registration packets for all students.
 Order educational rights posters from NCHE for your school:
http://center.serve.org/nche/pr/er_poster.php#youth
 Order other material that you may want to use to distribute for staff professional
development or when you do a parent activity from NCHE:
http://center.serve.org/nche/products.php#parent_pack
 Look at issues briefs in NCHE website for possible hand-outs during staff professional
development.
 Talk to your administrator about what the Title I-A set aside amounts are and create
budget for expending that budget.
 Think about school supplies needed:
August:
 Review housing surveys and identify students
 Contact Social Services, Public Health, and/or other organizations that may be able to
give you student referrals or may be able to help you with student needs.
 Make sure student rights posters are placed in the schools, at your social services
agencies, public health, food bank, and/or other agencies that may provide services to
families that are McKinney Vento Eligible.
 Meet with transportation department and school secretaries and provide information
about identifying students.
 Let food service staff know what students are eligible for free meals under McKinney
Vento
 Find out what your Title I set asides budgeted amount is and plan appropriately.
September:
 Try to ensure that all identified McKinney Vento students are tested during school
benchmark testing.
McKinney Vento
Page 6



Get benchmark data for all students. Identify students that may need to begin an RTI
process.
Refer students to appropriate educational services if the data suggests.
Look at BOCES website for resources under McKinney Vento for community agencies
that may serve the needs of students and their families
October:



Keep up with testing and start RTI with those students who may need it.
Plan for winter needs for students
Colorado McKinney Vento Homeless Education Data Collection submission is in
October. Use Identified McKinney Vento Data Sheet to submit information.
November:

This is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. You can contact your local shelter
to see if there are activities that the school can participate in.
December:
 Make sure that all McKinney Vento students are tested for midyear progress monitoring
in your school district.
 Get benchmark data for those students. Look for those students that may not have
grown and look for issues that may be causing this, (attendance? Needs tutoring?
Needs more testing?, etc.) Can Title I set-asides be used to help student achieve
academic growth?
January:

Look at how much of Title I set Asides have been expended and look at what needs
students may still have.
February:

TCAP Testing (3 rd Grade ) : Make sure students attend during testing window (do
parents need to be called?)
March:


TCAP Testing (3rd-10th) :
Make sure students attend during testing window
April:

Make sure Title I Set Aside Funds have been expended. Begin looking at what
students may need next year and how to get these. (Many times school grants have
extra money and are willing to use money for different projects)
McKinney Vento
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May:



Make sure that all students attend during testing window for end of year testing.
Turn in documentation to grant coordinator and save information for October data
collection
Look for needs that students may have for the summer.
Eligibility and Rights of McKinney-Vento Students
Under McKinney-Vento and state law, students are considered homeless if they lack a
nighttime residence that is fixed, regular, and adequate. Examples of temporary housing
explicitly 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

Awaiting foster care placement

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



Students in Homeless Situations Have the Right to :

Continue in the school they attended before they became homeless

Receive transportation to the school they attended before their family became
homeless, if possible
Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there.


Receive the same programs and services that are provided to all other children

Automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch

Enroll in a new school without immunization, proof of residential status, school
records, proof of guardianship or other documents.
McKinney Vento
Page 8

Go to school with children who are not homeless

Receive information and referrals to health, mental health, dental and other services.

Have disagreements settled quickly and go to school while disagreements are
settled.
* Stewart B. McKinney-Bruce Vento Homeless
POLICY AND PROCEDURES
San Luis Valley BOCES has adopted the following policy:
JFABD- ADMISSION AND SUCCESS OF HOMELESS
ADMISSION AND SUCCESS OF HOMELESS
It is the intend of the Board of Directors of the San Luis Valley BOCES (SLV BOCES) to remove barriers to the
enrollment and retention of children and youth experiencing homelessness in school in accordance with the Title X
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act state and federal law.
Homeless Education Liaison
The Board of Directors shall designate at least one staff member in the SLV BOCES to serve as a Homeless
Education Liaison and fulfill the duties set forth in state and federal law.
The liaison shall work with the member and collaborating districts’ Homeless Education Liaisons to identify children
experiencing housing instability and facilitate each homeless child’s access to and success in school.
The liaison shall assist member and partnering districts to mediate disputes concerning school enrollment, assist in
making transportation arrangements, assist in requesting the student’s records, provide information, resources,
referrals on services and opportunities, and assist districts with any homeless child who is not in the custody of a
parent or guardian with enrollment decisions, attendance and credit accrual.
SLV BOCES Homeless Education Liaison will serve preschool to high school aged children.
Enrollment of Students Experiencing Homelessness
Students defined in state and federal law as homeless children shall be admitted without payment of tuition to all SLV
BOCES schools/programs.
As used in this policy, the term “school of origin” means the school the student attended at the time of becoming
homeless. If the student becomes homeless at a time when the student was not in school, the last school attended
shall be the “school of origin”.
A homeless student currently living outside of the district in which the school of origin is located may be deemed to
reside and may attend school in:
The district where the child is presently located, or
The district in which the school of origin is located; except that a homeless student who becomes permanently
housed outside the district during the school year many only continue for the remainder of the year.
In determining the best interests of the homeless student, except when it is against the wishes of the student’s parent
or guardian, the SLV BOCES shall keep the homeless student in the school of origin to the extend feasible.
If the SLV BOCES sends the homeless student to a school other than the school of origin or to a school other than
the one requested by the student’s parent or guardian, the SLV BOCES shall provide written explanation to the
parent or guardian, including the right to appeal the decision.
If a homeless student is not in the custody of a parent or guardian, the SLV BOCES liaison shall assist with
enrollment decisions. Consider the wishes of the student and give the student notice of the right to appeal.
If an enrollment dispute arises between the homeless student’s parent or guardian and the SLV BOCES, the student
shall be immediately enrolled in the SLV BOCES School selected by the parent or guardian until the dispute is
resolved.
Enrollment shall be immediate even if the student lacks records routinely required prior to enrollment. The SLV
BOCES School shall then arrange to obtain any necessary records and to have the student receive any necessary
immunizations.
McKinney Vento
Page 9
Student information will be kept confidential to prevent stigmatization and isolation. Students will not be isolated into a
specific program or group for student experiencing housing transition.
Students will be automatically offed the free meals program without having to fill out the Free and Reduced Price
School Meals Application and Verification form.
Transportation
If the student resides in the district where the school of origin is located, the district shall, upon request, provide or
arrange for the student’s transportation to and from school.
If the student attends the school of origin but seeks shelter or is located in another district, both districts must, upon
request, either agree on a method to apportion cost and responsibility for the student’s transportation or share the
cost and responsibility equally.
Services
specialized services, Title services, vocational and technical education programs, gifted and talented programs and
school nutrition programs.
Homeless children shall be provided access to education and other services that such children need to ensure that
they have an opportunity to meet and same student performance standards to which all students are held.
The SLV BOCES shall coordinate with districts and with local social service agencies and other agencies or
programs providing services to homeless children as needed.
LEGAL REFS. 42.U.S.C. §11431 et seq. (McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by No Child Left Behind
Act of 2002)
C.R.S. 22-1-102.5 (definition of homeless child)
C.R.S. 22-32-109 (1)(dd) (duty to adopt/revise policies to remove barriers to access and success
in schools for homeless children)
C.R.S. 22-33-103.5 (attendance of homeless children)
C.R.S. 26-5.7-101 et seq. (Homeless Youth Act)
Adopted by SLV BOCES Board of Directors: November 17, 2010
IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES:
A residency questionnaire is used to help school district staff identify students in transition. This
questionnaire is sent out annually in registration packets to all students. The school district
liaison also posts notice of educational rights of students in homeless situations. Finally, a
referral form has been created and distributed to agencies in the school district communities.
The school district liaison is also in charge of keeping the data on the number of children and
youth in transition in the district, where they are living, and their academic achievement. This is
to be done through district test data, graduation rates, report cards, etc.
School Enrollment
Due to the realities of homelessness and mobility, students in transition may not have
enrollment documents available. Nonetheless, the school selected for enrollment must
immediately enroll any child or youth in transition. Enrollment may not be denied or delayed due
to lack of any document normally required for enrollment including:
· Proof of residency
· Transcripts/school records. (The enrolling school must contact the student’s previous school(s)
to obtain records. Initial Placement of students whose records are not immediately available can
be made based on the student’s age and information gathered from the student, parent, and
previous teachers or schools.
McKinney Vento
Page 10
· Immunizations or immunization/health/medical/physical records (if necessary, the school must
refer students to the homeless liaison to assist with obtaining immunizations and/or
immunizations and other medical records. Health records may often be obtained from previous
schools. Local physicians may be contacted to initiate immunizations when needed)
· Proof of guardianship may often be obtained from a social worker or court
Documents
· Birth Certificate
· Any other documentation required, e.g. IEPs, Section 504 Plans, School
Discipline Records
· Unpaid school fees
· Any factor related to the student’s living situation
Unaccompanied youth must also be immediately enrolled in school. They may enroll
themselves or be enrolled by a parent, non-parent caretaker, older sibling, or liaison from the
courts or state agency.
The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” are defined to mean attending school and participating fully
in school activities.
School Placement
Placement in a school shall, according to the child’s best interest,
1. Continue the child’s or youth’s education in the school of origin for the duration of
homelessness, in any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic years or
during an academic year, or for the duration of the academic year, if the child or youth becomes
permanently housed during an academic year.
2. Enroll the child or youth in the school that non-homeless students who live the attendance
area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.
In determining the best interests of the child or youth to the extent feasible the child or youth will
be kept in the school of origin, except when doing so is contrary to the wishes of the child’s or
youth’s parent or guardian, for the duration of homelessness.
In the case of unaccompanied youth, the homeless education liaison will assist in placement or
enrollment decisions considering the requests of such unaccompanied youth. The choice
regarding placement shall be made regardless of whether the child or youth lives with the
homeless parents or guardian or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.
McKinney Vento
Page 11
SCHOOL OF CHOICE AND TRANSPORTATION:
When considering transporting student to school of choice, the following factors should be
considered. If a dispute arises the student will be enrolled in the school of choice and provided
transportation until the dispute is settled.







Age of student
Distance of commute and how this would impact the student
Safety
The need for special instruction (e.g. special education and related services)
Length of anticipated stay in temporary location
Time remaining in school year
Wishes of parent, guardian, and/or student
FREE MEALS PROCEDURE
Each of the participating school districts will use the student residency questionnaire to verify
that a student is homeless and is eligible for meals. Completed forms may be used in lieu of a
completed free and reduced meal application. Please, also communicate the names of newly
identified students to your cafeteria manager, so the student may receive free lunch on the day
homelessness occurs. Please also be reminded that this is sensitive information and should be
treated as such.
Documenting Free Meal Eligibility for Homeless Children (From CDE Office of School
Nutrition)
Liaison must document the name, the date of determination and include a signature.
Acceptable documentation:
 List with child’s name, signature
 Letter from Homeless Liaison
 McKinney Vento Identification template (Identified student sheet with just name and
date of identification)
Information from the McKinney Vento Contact is the only method of verification for free meals.
Student remains eligible for free meals for the current school year plus up to 30 operating days
in the subsequent school year. ** Even if the child secures a permanent residence.
McKinney Vento
Page 12
Process for identifying Students in Transition
Step 1
Is the youth sharing the housing of others due
to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar
reasons. Is awaiting Foster Care Placement or
was abandoned
If yes apply McKinney
Vento Act
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping
grounds due to the lack of alternative
accomodations
If no go to step 2
If unclear go to step 4
Living in emergency or transitional shelters or is
an unacomppanied youth.
Step 2
A
B
C
McKinney Vento
• Does the student have a primary nighttime residence that is
a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used
as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings?
• If yes apply the McKinney Vento Act
• If no then go to step 3
Page 13
Step 3
A
B
C
• Is the child or youth living in a car, park, public
space, abandoned building, substandard housing,
bus or train station or similar setting
• If yes apply the McKinney Vento Act
• If no go to Step 4 or seek advise
Step 4
A
B
C
• Does the child or youth lack a fixed, regular,
and adequate nighttime residence
• If yes, apply the McKinney Vento Act
• If No don't apply the McKinney Vento Act
(From the law center on homelessness and poverty)
 A fixed residence is one that is stationary,
permanent, and not subject to change.
McKinney Vento
Page 14
 A regular residence is one which is used on a
regular basis.
 An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for
meeting both the physical and psychological
needs typically met in home environments.
** Information for chart is from National Law
Center on Homelessness and Poverty
If student does meet the criteria for homeless status according to
McKinney Vento definition then go through school enrollment criteria.
McKinney Vento Law supports enrollment in the school of origin or in the
school serving the area where the homeless student currently resides. The
school of origin is the school where the student was enrolled when
permanently housed or the school where the student was last enrolled.
The school of residency is the school
Serving the area where the student currently resides.
School Enrollment
 Continuity of education
 Enrollment of siblings
 Location where family is seeking permanent
housing
 Time frame for acquiring permanent housing
A student should qualify for McKinney Vento services until he/she turns 21
years of age.
McKinney Vento
Page 15
A student experiencing homelessness has the right to attend the school of origin, the school the student
attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled; or the local
attendance area school for the duration of the school year. A student experiencing homelessness, to the
extent feasible, should be kept at their school of origin unless it goes against the wishes of the parent or
guardian. School selection decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The following form may be to
consider enrollment for student.
School of Origin:
Local Attendance Area School:
School Selection Considerations
□ Age and grade placement of the student
□ Academic strength
□ Social and emotional state
□ Distance of the commute and its impact on the
student’s education and/or special needs
______
Guiding Questions
Has the student established meaningful social and
educational relationships? How long has the student
been attending the school of origin? How much time is
remaining in the school year?
How is the student’s academic performance? Is he/she
strong and at grade level or struggling and a transfer
would cause the student to fall further behind?
How is the student coping with mobility? Does he/she
have strong ties to the current school? How does the
student feel about changing schools?
What is the distance and time spent on travel to each
school? Would a shorter commute help the student’s
concentration, attitude, or readiness for school or impact
any special or necessary educational needs?
Are there safety issues that should be considered?
□ Personal safety of the student
□ Student’s need for special instruction
□ Length of anticipated stay in a temporary shelter or
other temporary location
Which school better meet’s the student’s need for
special instruction, such as Section 504 or special
education and related services?
How long is the family likely to remain at the current
residence? What is the likelihood that the family will
reestablish residency in the attendance area of the
school of origin?
School Selection Recommendation:
Individuals consulted to determine that this placement is in the student’s best interest were:
_____
Printed name & signature
Position or title
Printed name & signature
Position or title
McKinney Vento
Page 16
Transportation
The Homeless Education Liaison must make sure that transportation is provided at the
request of the parent/student, to and from the school of origin if that is the enrollment
decision. The liaison in the school district where the student currently resides is
responsible for arranging transportation to the school of origin. This is done if it is in
the best interest of the student. Transportation arrangements must be agreed upon
with the liaison from the receiving district. Unless otherwise agreed, the cost of
providing transportation must be shared equally by both districts. (school of
origin and receiving district)
When determining transportation needs for students the district takes these
factors into consideration in order to decide what is in the best interest of the
student.
Emotional
Considerations
Student's age
Distance of
commute
Time remaining in
school year
Child's Safety
Educational
Considerations
Housing
situation
Need for special
programs
What is the
anticipated length of
stay in temporary
situation
How much time is
remaining in school
year
*Access to
transportation to
school of origin
Consider the estimated round-trip mileage, the cost of transportation daily or weekly,
and what type of transportation will be provided.
For some transportation ideas
you may look at the following website:
http://center.serve.org/nche/downloads/rur_trans.pdf
McKinney Vento
Page 17
TRANSITIONAL INTERDISTRICT TRANSPORTATION AGREEMENT
Based on McKinney-Vento Transportation Criteria
According to the McKinney Vento Act, 722 (g)(1)(J)(iii), the State and its local educational agencies
will adopt policies and practices to ensure that transportation is provided, at the request of the parent
or guardian (or in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the liaison), to and from the school of origin,
as determined in paragraph (3)(A), in accordance with the following, as applicable:
(I) If the homeless child or youth continues to live in the area served by the local educational agency
in which the school of origin is located, the child's or youth's transportation to and from the school of
origin shall be provided or arranged by the local educational agency in which the school of origin is
located.
(II) If the homeless child's or youth's living arrangements in the area served by the local educational
agency of origin terminate and the child or youth, though continuing his or her education in the school
of origin, begins living in an area served by another local educational agency, the local educational
agency of origin and the local educational agency in which the homeless child or youth is living shall
agree upon a method to apportion the responsibility and costs for providing the child with
transportation to and from the school of origin. If the local educational agencies are unable to agree
upon such method, the responsibility and costs for transportation shall be shared equally.
All Participants, signing this agreement:
1. Agree that if a student remains in his/her school of origin, the District of Origin and the new
District of Residence will share the cost of transportation on a 50/50 basis.
2. The district where the student is enrolled/attending (District of Residence) agrees to arrange the
transportation and monitor billing.
3. District of Residence agrees to monitor the student’s/family’s situation in order to define the
homeless status accurately.
4. The District of Residence will periodically check on the housing status of students in transition
who are receiving transportation to their school of origin. On a case-by-case basis, the District of
Residence will explore with the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth if it is in the best interest of
the child/youth to enroll in the District of Residence at the beginning of the next school year.
5. Each district has established contacts for meeting transitional education needs. These contacts
have the ability to approve transportation arrangements within each district. The districts below
have named specific contacts as appropriate individuals to contact when a family is in transition.
These are listed in the attached Directory.
SCHOOL DISTRICT A (District of Origin)
By (Authorized Signature)
Date
Name (Type or Print)
Title/Position
SCHOOL DISTRICT B (District of Residence)
By (Authorized Signature)
Date
Name (Type or Print)
Title/Position
McKinney Vento
Page 18
Comparable Services
Enrollment and referrals should be made in the following areas as appropriate.
Educational Services
Title I Services
RTI
Special Education
Ell Services
Referrals
Mental Health Counseling
Medical and /or Dental
Community Programs
Referred siblings to preschool or Head
Start program
504 Plan
After School Programs
Free Meal Program
School Counseling
Should the decision made differ from the enrollment request from parent /youth, the
Homeless Education Liaison must provide a written enrollment decision that includes
the following information:
*The enrollment decision
* An explanation of the district’s enrollment decision
*Contact information for the Homeless Education Liaison
*A copy of Colorado’s Dispute Resolution process available online at the department of
education: Dispute Resolution Process available online at:
http://www.cde.state.co.us/dropoutprevention/homeless_disputes
If an appeal is filed the school district must immediately enroll the homeless student in the school
in which enrollment is being sought by parent/youth pending resolution of the dispute.
Transportation should also be provided pending the outcome of the appeal process.
The forms provided by Colorado Department of Education are in the following pages.
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Colorado McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Programs
District Written Explanation Letter (Sample)
September 6, 2013
Ms. Marie Jones
5555 Pennsylvania Avenue
Denver, CO 80222
Re: John Jones, Mary Jones
Dear Ms. Jones,
[District Liaisons, use this highlighted section to outline the situation and your district decision. An example has been provided
below.]
At the start of each school year, ABC School District re-evaluates the circumstances of students
who were previously identified under the McKinney Vento Act as homeless students, to confirm
eligibility in the upcoming school year. Upon review of your family’s situation, it has been
determined that your primary nighttime residence is fixed, regular and adequate; no longer
meeting the criteria set forth under the McKinney Vento Act. Last school year, as a part of
McKinney-Vento educational rights, your children John and Mary Jones were enrolled in their
“school of origin,” under the McKinney Act. These schools were outside of the boundaries of
your now permanent place of residence. Based on the change in McKinney eligibility, we are
advising you to enroll John and Mary into the schools nearest to where you live. According to
existing school boundaries, John’s attendance area school is XYZ Middle School and Mary’s
school is RST Elementary. Also, your children’s previous designation of homeless provided for
automatic eligibility for free school meals programs. Based on your income, you may remain
eligible for the meal program, but you will need to fill out an application at the school(s). If you
need any assistance with enrolling your children in the appropriate schools, please contact me
at the information below.
NOTICE OF RIGHT TO APPEAL
Be advised that you have the right to appeal the decisions made by ABC School District
regarding your student’s eligibility and enrollment under Title X, Part C of the McKinney-Vento
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Homeless Assistance Act. Students involved in a McKinney-Vento dispute process have the
right to enroll immediately in the school of choice pending resolution of the dispute. Immediate
enrollment includes full participation in all school activities. Additionally, you may seek
advocates or attorneys for your dispute.
As the district’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison, notification should be made to
me in writing within 10 business days of receipt of this letter if you want to appeal the district’s
decision outlined above. Attached you will find an appeal form that you can use for this
notification. If we cannot reach a resolution at the district-level, the dispute will be move to the
state level for final resolution facilitated by the Colorado Department of Education’s (CDE) State
Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, Dana Scott. Ms. Scott can be
reached by phone at 303-866-6930 or via e-mail at: [email protected]. Attached you will
find a copy of Colorado’s McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution Process that provides additional
details on the state’s McKinney-Vento dispute and appeals process, including key timelines.
Also attached is a national brief by the National Center for Homeless Education that provides
information on dispute and appeal rights under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Feel free to contact me if you have questions on this decision or the McKinney-Vento dispute or
appeal process.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Nelson
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison, ABC School District
Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX Fax: XXX-XXX-XXXX
E-mail: [email protected]
8800 Washington Ave., Denver, CO 80222
(from Colorado Department of Education)
Colorado McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Programs
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Dispute Appeal Notification Form
To be completed by the parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth when appealing a district’s
decision
regarding McKinney-Vento eligibility, enrollment or educational placement.
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, states and public school districts are required to
establish procedures to promptly resolve disputes. To appeal the decision outlined in your District
Written Explanation Letter given to you by your district’s McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison
(“District Liaison”), or to begin a new dispute over a decision that you disagree with regarding a
McKinney-Vento eligibility determination, enrollment or educational placement decision, complete this
form and submit it to your District Liaison. Contact information on your District Liaison is available at your
local school district offices and at CDE’s McKinney-Vento webpage:
www.cde.state.co.us/dropoutprevention/homeless_liaisons
I want to appeal a McKinney-Vento decision made by
(School District Name)
Name of Student involved in the dispute:
Name of parent/guardian/unaccompanied youth completing this form:
Relationship to the student:
Parent
Guardian
Self or Other:
Daytime phone, e-mail or other way to be contacted:
Name of school where this dispute is occurring:
Reason for the dispute:
Eligibility Determination
Enrollment
Educational Placement Decision
Other
Please provide an explanation in the space below to support your appeal or you may provide your
explanation verbally to the District Liaison.
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I have been provided with (please check all that apply):
_____ A written explanation of the school’s decision
_____ The contact information of District Liaison
_____ A copy of the state’s dispute resolution and appeal process for students experiencing
homelessness
The District/School provided me with a copy of this form when I submitted it:
(Signature of Parent/Guardian/Unaccompanied Youth)
McKinney Vento
(initial)
(Date)
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School Selection: A Checklist for Decision Making
(adapted from the Texas Homeless Education Office)
School of Origin Considerations
Local Attendance Area School Considerations
□Continuity of instruction
□Continuity of instruction
Student is best served due to circumstances
Student is best served due to circumstances that
that look to his or her past.
look to his or her future.
□ Age and grade placement of the student
□ Age and grade placement of the student
Maintaining friends and contacts with peers is
Maintaining friends and contacts with peers in
critical to the student’s meaningful school
the school of origin is not particularly critical to
experience and participation. The student has
the student’s meaningful school experience and
been in this environment for an extended period
participation. The student has attended the
of time.
school of origin for only a brief time.
□ Academic strength
□ Academic strength
The child’s academic performance is weak, and
The child’s academic performance is strong and
the child would fall further behind if he/she
at grade level, and the child would likely
transferred to another school.
recover academically from a school transfer.
□ Social and emotional state
□ Social and emotional state
The child is suffering from the effects of
The child seems to be coping adequately with
mobility, has developed strong ties to the
mobility, does not feel strong ties to the current
current school, and does not want to leave.
school, and does not mind transferring.
□ Distance of the commute and its impact on the
□ Distance of the commute and its impact on the
student’s education and/or special needs
student’s education and/or special needs
The advantages of remaining in the school of
A shorter commute may help the student’s
origin outweigh any potential disadvantages
concentration, attitude, or readiness for school.
presented by the length of the commute
The local attendance area school can meet all of
□ Personal safety of the student
the necessary educational and special needs of
The school of origin has advantages for the
the student.
safety of the student.
□ Personal safety of the student
□ Student’s need for special instruction
The local attendance area school has
The student’s need for special instruction, such
advantages for the safety of the student.
as Section 504 or special education and related
□ Student’s need for special instruction
services, can be met better at the school of
The student’s need for special instruction, such
origin.
as Section 504 or special education and related
services, can be met better at the local
□Length of anticipated stay in a temporary
attendance area school.
shelter or other temporary location
The student’s current living situation is outside
□ Length of anticipated stay in a temporary
of the school-of-origin attendance zone, but his/
shelter or other temporary location
her living situation or location continues to be
The student’s current living situation appears
uncertain. The student will benefit from the
stable and unlikely to change suddenly; the
continuity offered by remaining in the school of
student will benefit from the developing
origin.
relationships with peers in school who live in
his local community.
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Student Housing Questionnaire
Determination of Services under the McKinney-Vento Act
Your answers help determine the free services the student(s) may be eligible to receive, such as
free breakfast & lunch, school supplies, community resource information, basic needs, an
advocate, etc. **All information will be kept confidential!
Student’s Name: ____________________________________ Grade: __________
Contact number: _______________
How many family members live in this household? _____
Present Housing Situation: (Please check the box(es) that apply)
In owned or rented housing
My current address is a temporary living arrangement
Living with friends or extended family members due to lack of housing or hardship
In a motel, a camper, bus, car, park or campsite
Moving from place to place
Living with a family member: grandparents, aunts or uncles, other relative
Inadequate housing (lacks kitchen, bathroom facilities, no heat or electricity, in need
of extensive repairs, not enough space)
Unaccompanied youth (not in the physical custody of parent or guardian) who are in
crises or unstable housing
Awaiting foster care placement
In a shelter, ie. La Puente, Tu Casa
Check all that apply:
____ student stays with friends or away from home over 50% of the time
____ school-aged mothers or pregnant girls staying with friends
____ runaway or youth without adult supervision
____ families staying in safehouses because returning to their permanent homes would
mean returning to a situation involving domestic violence
What (if any) services/assistance could you benefit from if the student qualifies?
____ school supplies; ____ clothing; ____ glasses/emergency medical/dental
____ food; ____ other: _____________________________________________________
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Cuestionario de Vivienda de los Estudiantes
Escuelas De Center
Determinación de los Servicios de conformidad con la Ley McKinney-Vento
Sus respuestas ayudarán a determinar los servicios gratis que los estudiante (s) pueden ser elegibles de recibir,
como el desayuno y almuerzo, útiles escolares, información de recursos de la comunidad, las necesidades básicas,
un defensor, etc. ** Toda la información se mantendrá confidencial!
Nombre del estudiante: ____________________________________ Grado: __________
Teléfono de contacto: _________________________ Cuantos miembros viven en la casa? ____________
Situación Presente de Vivienda: (Por favor marque los cuadro(s) que les correspondan)
En la casa propia o alquilada
Mi dirección presente es un arreglo de vivienda temporal
Vivo con amigos o miembros de la familia debido a la falta de vivienda o dificultades
En un motel, una camper, autobús, carro, parque o lugar de campamiento
Ando de un lugar a otro
Vivo con un miembro de la familia: abuelos, tías o tíos, otros parientes
Vivienda inadecuada (falta de cocina, baño, no tiene calor o electricidad, en necesidad de areglo, no hay
suficiente espacio )
Jóvenes no acompañados (no en la custodia física del padre o tutor) que están en crisis o inestabilidad de
vivienda
En espera de la colocación de cuidado de crianza
En un refugio, es decir. La Puente, Tu Casa
Marque las que correspondan:
____ estudiante se queda con amigos o fuera de casa más de 50% del tiempo
____ madres en edad escolar o adolescentes embarazadas viviendo con unos amigos
____ joven que se fugo de la casa o sin supervisión de un adulto
____ familias permanecen en casas de seguridad, porque regresar a sus hogares permanentes significaría volver a
una situación de violencia doméstica
Cuales (en caso) servicios y asistencia podría beneficiarse de, si el alumno califica?
____ Útiles escolares; ____ ropa, ____ anteojos / emergencia médica, dental,
____ comida; ____ otros: ____________________________________________
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Caregiver Authorization Form
This form is intended to address the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (P.L. 107-110) requirement
that homeless children have access to education and other services for which they are eligible. The
McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act states specifically that barriers to enrollment must be removed.
In some cases, a child or youth who is homeless may not be able to reside with his/her parent or guardian;
however, this fact does not nullify the child’s/youth’s right to receive a free, appropriate public education.
Instructions:
Complete this form for a child/youth presenting himself/herself for enrollment while not in the physical
custody of a parent or guardian.
 To authorize the enrollment in school of a minor, complete items 1 through 4 and sign the form.
 To authorize the enrollment and school-related medical care of a minor, complete all items and
sign the form.
I am 18 years of age or older and have agreed to fulfill the role of caregiver for the minor named below.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Name of minor: _________________________________________________________________
Minor’s date of birth: _____________________________________________________________
My name (adult giving authorization): ________________________________________________
My home address: _______________________________________________________________
Check one or both (for example if one parent was advised and the other could not be located):
___ I have advised the parent(s) or other person(s) having legal custody of the minor as to my
intent to authorize medical care and have received no objection.
___ I am unable to contact the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) at this time to notify them of my
intended authorization.
6. My date of birth: ________________________________________________________________
7. My state driver’s license or identification card number
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of this state that the foregoing information is true and
correct.
Signature: _________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Adapted from materials produced by the California Department of Education
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McKinney Vento Program
Martha Martinez, Grant Coordinator
Phone: (719) 587-6862
Fax: (719) 589-5007
E-mail: [email protected]
Title X Part C McKinney-Vento Confidential Referral Form
Student’s Last Name: ____________________________ First Name _________________________
M/F: _______ Grade: ___________ Age: ______________ Date of Birth: ____________________
Phone Number: __________________ School that student will be attending: _____________________
City and State
Referring Person: ______________________________________ Agency: ________________________
Other Contact Information: ______________________________________________________________
Please check all that apply for the following areas of concern relevant to the student:
Student lacks a permanent residence
Student is unable to pay school fees
Lacks academic records/documents
In need of school supplies
Other children in household:
Child’s name
____
____
____
____
Doubled-Up (living with someone temporarily)
Unaccompanied (guardian not with student)
Sheltered (living in a community Shelter)
Unsheltered (on the streets/unfit building)
Hotel/Motel
Unknown
Age
____
____
____
____
____
____
Male or Female
Comments:____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Parent Signature
***** To Be Filled Out By McKinney Vento Program Staff*****
Status of referral:
Date received: __________
McKinney Vento
Date Sent to District Liaison ________________________________
Page 28
TIPS FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS

Know what rights students have under the McKinney-Vento Act and how a student
qualifies as being homeless.

Ensure that homeless students are afforded every educational opportunity that nonhomeless students have (You can provide assistance for transportation or other
expenses through your Title I set-aside money)

Assist in the waiving of fees or securing of materials necessary for activities.

With the parent/guardian’s permission, talk to the student’s teachers to inform them of
the current living situation and how this may affect the student’s ability to perform
academically. For example, the student may not have access to the necessary materials
to complete assignments such as a computer.

Educate parents about their children’s educational rights.

Emphasize that education is a vital component for a child’s success and development.
Remember, homeless parents are focusing on meeting immediate daily needs for food
and shelter; their child’s education may be a secondary concern.

Know the local community resources so that you may make referrals for such things as
food, housing, and counseling.
This tip sheet was adapted from materials from the Illinois, North Carolina, Texas,and
Virginia Departments of Education, and the National Center for Homeless
Education.
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TIPS FOR ENROLLMENT PERSONNEL
o Know what rights students have under the McKinney-Vento Act and how a
student qualifies as being homeless.
o Have McKinney Vento Informational Posters Up so that they are visible to
parents and visitors
o Make sure all students fill out the Student Residency Questionnaire.
o Assure families and/or unaccompanied youth that they can enroll if they are in
“housing transition” due to loss of housing, economic hardship or any similar
reason.
o Those students that are identified as “homeless should be enrolled immediately
(even without records.)
o These same students should also be qualified for free lunch without having to do
the paperwork normally required of other students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What ages does the McKinney-Vento Act cover?
Students 21 and under. For special education students, federal law provides the right to access
services until age 22.
If a child moves into permanent housing, do they qualify for services for the remainder of the school
year?
Yes.
If a homeless student enrolls in a new school because the parent/guardian was not informed of the
student’s rights to remain at the school of origin, does the student still have the right to go back to
their school of origin?
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Yes. School districts are required to inform families of their rights. Not knowing one’s rights does
not mean not having rights.
I have a homeless student! Now what do I do?
o Have a Student Residency Form (SRQ) completed. Place the SRQ in a separate folder for your SRQs, not in
the cum folder. Fax or email to the MVP district office. Ensure the child will receive a free lunch.
o Arrange transportation, if necessary.
o The question to ask yourself – “Does this student have all that they need to participate fully in school and to
succeed?” If not, contact the MVP district office. Make referrals to community agencies as needed
What academic concerns commonly impact students in homeless situations?
o Due to changing schools and the stress of being homeless, students may fall behind academically, causing
learning lags and gaps. (One move = 4 months academic learning.)
o Students may not have a quiet place to study or access to school supplies, or computers
** How to Get a license in Colorado:
To get ID or license in Colorado: You can call (303) 205-5613
You need at least three things:
1. Birth Certificate
2. Social Security Card
3. Proof of Address ( A bill, etc.)
You can also have things like (transcript, report card, school ID, or library Card)
You will have to go through this process in Lakewood Colorado. You can either walk in or go online and
make an appointment:
Go to: colorado.gov/revenue/dmv
ON first page you will click on “driver’s license
ON second page (online drivers license offices then you will click on “appointments”)
THEN you will get an option that says “cancel” & “schedule” Click on schedule exception processing
then click “next”, The only place you can schedule is in Lakewood so you click on next. and then select
the option, calendar.
The student will need to have $10.50 in cash, or a check, or a money order. Once they get their ID they
can get their driver’s license at any location.
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How can I use Title I set aside funding?
Title I Set-Asides can be utilized for the following but are limited to:
 Items of clothing, particularly if necessary to meet a school’s dress or uniform
requirement;
 Clothing and shoes necessary to participate in physical education classes;
 Student fees that are necessary to participate in the general education program;
 Personal school supplies such as backpacks and notebooks;
 Birth certificates necessary to enroll in school;
 Immunizations;
 Food;
 Medical and dental services;
 Eyeglasses and hearing aids;
 Counseling services to address anxiety related to homelessness that is impeding
learning;
 Outreach services to students living in shelters, motels, and other temporary
residences;
 Extended learning time (before and after school, Saturday classes, summer school) to
compensate for lack of quiet time for homework in shelters or other overcrowded living
conditions;
 Tutoring services, especially in shelters or other locations where homeless students
live;
 Parental involvement specifically oriented to reaching out to parents of homeless
students;
 Fees for AP and IB testing;
 Fees for SAT/ACT testing.
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