1 Training Overview Part II Part II – Support Services — 45 minutesChild Nutrition Transportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Part II of the training will describe support services that are available to students experiencing homelessness. This would include supports related to: child nutrition, transportation, attendance & truancy, special education services, dispute resolution, academic success and access to higher education. We will also discuss various online resources.

2 Part II Part II – Support Services Child NutritionTransportation Attendance TEC – Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources We will first discuss nutrition services.

3 Child Nutrition ProgramsPart II Child Nutrition Programs USDA policy allows homeless students immediate access to free meals upon identification by liaisons or shelter providers (categorical eligibility) In doubled-up situations, host families may count guest family on application Costs incurred by family/student during eligibility determination must be covered/reimbursed Family/student should not fill out application – only need certification by homeless liaison or shelter director child’s name date of start/end of service Foster care children are also eligible According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) students identified as homeless are AUTOMATICALLY eligible and should receive IMMEDIATE access to free meals. Students experiencing homelessness are considered categorically eligible. If a student is doubled-up, the host family can count them on their applications. USDA also indicates that any costs incurred by the family or student during an eligibility determination period should be reimbursed or covered. A notarized form from these students is not required and students and families should not be required to fill out applications. Notification from the homeless liaison including the student’s certification as homeless, name and effective dates should be sufficient documentation.

4 Child Nutrition ProgramsPart I Child Nutrition Programs Video Segment #6 Region 10 video on Child Nutrition 2:00 minutes https://vimeo.com/region10/review/ /3554c51438 This slide contains a video related to child nutrition and homeless education.

5 Part II Part II – Support Services Transportation Child NutritionAttendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources The next support service available to students experiencing homelessness would be transportation.

6 Transportation Part IILEAs must provide homeless students transportation to their school of origin at a parent’s or guardian’s request (or at the liaison’s request for an unaccompanied youth) Districts may choose the manner used to transport the student Students must not be penalized for absences or anything else due to district delays in arranging transportation If the student’s temporary residence and the school of origin are in the same LEA, that LEA must provide or arrange transportation McKinney-Vento states that LEAs must provide transportation to and from the school of origin at the request of a parent, guardian, student or homeless liaison. Districts have the ability to determine the type of transportation. This may include school busses, district SUVs and cars, contracted transportation services, and possibly reimbursing parents for mileage. Also, schools must inform parents and students about the transportation rights related to McKinney-Vento. Students who experience absences because of district delays in arranging transportation should not be penalized or given unexcused absences. McKinney-Vento also indicates who is responsible for providing the transportation. If the student’s temporary residence and their school of origin are in the same LEA (district or charter school) that LEA must provide or arrange transportation.

7 Transportation Part IIIf the student is living outside of the school of origin’s LEA, then the LEA where the student is living and the SoO’s LEA must determine how to divide the responsibility and cost, or they must share them equally Use transportation compacts or “contracts” However, if the student’s temporary residence is outside the school of origin’s LEA (district or charter), both LEAs (school of origin and new attendance zone) should collaborate and determine how to divide the responsibility. If they cannot come to an agreement about how to apportion the costs, they must split the costs equally.

8 Transportation Part IIIn addition to providing transportation to the SoO, LEAs must provide homeless students with transportation services comparable to those provided to other students School districts must eliminate barriers to the school enrollment and retention of students experiencing homelessness (including transportation barriers) Students served by IDEA (special education) may have IEPs that designate transportation services (These services must be provided the student and are separate from M-V school of origin provisions; they are paid for by the special education program.) Sometimes LEAs may provide transportation to students that is more than the normal. This might include transportation after tutorials or extra-curricular activities. LEAs must provide students experiencing homelessness with transportation that is comparable to what other students would receive. McKinney-Vento specifically states that barriers related to transportation should be eliminated by school districts. Students served by IDEA may have IEPs that designate transportation services. These services are separate from M-V school of origin provisions and are paid for by the special education program.)

9 Transportation Part IIFoster care children are entitled to remain in the current school they were attending at the time of placement (their “school of origin”) through provisions in the ESSA that went into effect December 10, 2016 This transportation cannot be paid for out of Title I, Part A, Set-Aside or TEXSHEP subgrant funds School districts must collaborate with the state or local child welfare agency to develop and implement clear written procedures for providing, arranging, and paying for transportation to maintain children in foster care in their schools of origin when doing so is in their best interest. Although ESSA states that LEAs should have provisions for transporting students in foster care McKinney-Vento funds (including TEXSHEP and Title I, part A) cannot be used to pay for this transportation. School districts must collaborate with the state or local child welfare agency to develop and implement clear written procedures for providing, arranging, and paying for transportation to maintain children in foster care in their schools of origin when doing so is in their best interest.

10 Transportation Part II These procedures must ensure thatChildren in foster care who need transportation to the school of origin will promptly receive transportation in a cost-effective manner and in accordance the federal Social Security Act; and If there are additional costs incurred in providing transportation to maintain children in foster care in their schools of origin, the local educational agency will provide the transportation to the school of origin if: the local child welfare agency agrees to reimburse the local educational agency for the cost of such transportation; the local educational agency agrees to pay for the cost of such transportation; or the local educational agency and the local child welfare agency agree to share the cost of such transportation This slide contains information related to the requirements of the transportation plan.

11 Transportation Part II StrategiesDevelop collaborative relationships to establish buy-in Re-route school buses, including special education and magnet school buses Develop formal or informal agreements with LEAs where children cross district lines Reimburse parents (or youth) for gas Link homeless students with carpools Explore community resources, public transit LEAs can best prepare for and carry-out the transportation provisions of McKinney-Vento by developing collaborative relationships between LEA transportation and student services departments. Considerations should be given to re-routing school buses and developing agreements with neighboring districts in-case of cross district issues. If LEAs choose to reimburse parents for mileage, policies and procedures should be created to ensure the success of the process. Homeless students can also be linked with already existing carpools, community resources and methods of public transit.

12 Part II Part II – Support Services Attendance Child NutritionTransportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Let’s next look at issues related to homeless education and attendance including truancy.

13 Student Attendance Part IIStudent attendance monitoring yields significant results when interventions begin no later than after the third (3rd) absence Texas law requires all children to attend school from the age of 6 until they turn 19 Truancy prevention strategies must be in place for homeless students Homeless liaisons can significantly decrease absenteeism by monitoring missed days and meeting with students to understand barriers to attendance and increase student motivation. Student attendance monitoring yields significant results when interventions begin no later than after the third absence. Texas law requires all children aged 6-19 to attend school. Truancy prevention strategies must be in place for students experiencing homelessness.

14 Texas House Bill 2398 – Decriminalizes TruancyPart II Student Attendance Texas House Bill 2398 – Decriminalizes Truancy The truancy charge may be dismissed if there is “sufficient justification for failing to attend school – homelessness could be identified as a justification” (Article Code of Criminal Procedure) A school district may not refer a student to truancy court if the school determines the student’s truancy is the result of: pregnancy being a foster child being homeless being the principal earner for the family (25,0915(B)(2)(a-3) Students in homeless situations may not have absences counted against them if they are due to their homelessness. This provision comes from Texas House Bill Read the first sentence on this slide. Students cannot be referred to truancy court if the truancy is a result of pregnancy, being a foster child, being homeless or being the principal earner for the family. Schools should develop policies and procedures for reviewing and collecting data related to absences for students experiencing homelessness.

15 Texas House Bill 2398 (continued)Part II Student Attendance Texas House Bill 2398 (continued) Defines “parent” to include “a person standing in parental relation” (consistent with FERPA) Gives school districts the leeway to delay or not refer for truancy if: The district is applying truancy prevention measures The district determines the measures are succeeding The district determines it is in the best interest of the student to delay or not make the referral Texas House Bill 2398 defines “parent” the same was as FERPA which includes “a person standing in parental relation.” Therefore, districts should develop policies and procedures so that individuals acting as parents can help with determining excused absences. Furthermore, 2398 gives schools leeway to not refer students experiencing homeless for truancy if the district is applying successful truancy measures and not applying truancy is in the student’s best interest. It also may be helpful to know the practices of local judges and whether filing truancy will help students succeed.

16 Part II Part II – Support ServicesChild Nutrition Transportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Texas Education Code has a specific provision regarding posting homeless resources on school websites.

17 Texas Education Code 33.906 (HB 1559)Part II Posting of Homeless Resources Texas Education Code (HB 1559) Requires any school with a website to post information regarding local services and programs that assist homeless students The information must be easily understandable in English and Spanish The information must be easy to find on the site A school is exempt if it is within a district that has fewer than 3,000 students and is in a county with a population less than 50,000 THEO website has sample language: TEC Fact Sheet It states that any school with a website to post information regarding local services and programs that assist homeless students. Please note that this provision applies to schools and not districts. The information listed must be easily understandable, easy to find, and in both English and Spanish. There are some district size requirements or restrictions. However, it would be a best practice for all schools to post this type of information. THEO’s website has a document containing sample language related to this law.

18 Part II Part II – Support Services Special Education Child NutritionTransportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Let’s now discuss the overlap of Special Education and homeless education.

19 Special Education (IDEA)Part II Special Education (IDEA) Includes a definition of homeless that mirrors the McKinney- Vento definition LEAs must coordinate McKinney-Vento and special education services within the LEA, and with other involved LEAs “Child Find” provisions require that children with disabilities experiencing homelessness be identified, located and evaluated Requires early intervention services to be made available to all infants and toddlers — specifically mentions homeless children Homeless families must be meaningfully involved in the LEA special education programs for infants and toddlers The Individual with Disabilities Act (IDEA) contains the same definition for homelessness as McKinney-Vento. All districts and charter schools must coordinate McKinney-Vento and special education services within the LEA, and with other involved LEAs. Child Find provisions require that all children (including children experiencing homelessness) be identified, located and evaluated. This includes early childhood services. IDEA specifically mentions homeless children in reference to early intervention services to all infants and toddlers. Furthermore, homeless families with infants and toddlers must be meaningfully involved in the LEA special education programs.

20 Special Education (IDEA)Part II Special Education (IDEA) Temporary Placement Use of existing ARD and IEP records ARD – Admission, Review & Dismissal IEP – Individual Education Plan Transfer of records from previous campus Assignment of a surrogate or an emergency surrogate parent, if necessary Timely beginning and completion of assessments When students who are homeless arrive at a new or temporary residence, the campus should use the existing ARD and IEP records. These records should be transferred (in Texas via TREX) within the first 10 days. District liaisons can contact the liaison at the previous district to receive informal records while formal records are being requested. For ARD proceedings a student experiencing homelessness may need to be assigned a surrogate parent (perhaps emergency) if a parent is not available.

21 Part II Part II – Support Services Resolution of DisputesChild Nutrition Transportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Let’s now discuss what happens when disputes arise over issues related to homeless education.

22 Resolution of DisputesPart II Resolution of Disputes Video Segment #7 Region 10 video on Dispute Resolution 2:00 minutes https://vimeo.com/region10/review/ /092be2b61b This slide contains a video related to dispute resolution and homeless education.

23 Resolution of DisputesPart II Resolution of Disputes A dispute may arise over [11432(g)(3)(E]: Eligibility School selection School enrollment The Texas “district choice” for enrollment is not disputable under McKinney-Vento NOTE: It is disputable through the district grievance process It is first important to understand what is disputable under McKinney-Vento. The items that can be disputed would include eligibility for McKinney-Vento services, school selection (School of Origin or Local Attendance Zone) and school enrollment. Please note that enrollment under the Texas Education Code “district choice (25.001)” provision is not disputable under McKinney-Vento and should be addressed in the districts regular grievance process.

24 Resolution of DisputesPart II Resolution of Disputes Admit child or youth immediately pending resolution of dispute and all available appeals Liaison ensures unaccompanied youth is immediately enrolled School must provide parent/guardian or youth with written explanation of decision including statement of rights The parent, guardian or youth must be referred to the liaison, who must carry out the dispute resolution process as expeditiously as possible Train staff in order to avoid disputes When a student and district enter into a dispute about eligibility school selection, or school enrollment, the student must be enrolled immediately pending the outcome of the dispute. Local homeless liaisons should ensure immediate enrollment for unaccompanied youth. Schools must provide a written explanation of decisions including a statement about the rights of the student under McKinney-Vento. The parent or guardian should also be immediately referred to the liaison, who should help carry out the dispute process as expeditiously as possible. Districts should strive to avoid disputes if at all possible. Districts can best avoid disputes by making sure all school based contacts are trained in the basics of McKinney-Vento.

25 Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) FormsPart II Resolution of Disputes Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Forms TASB developed a document that includes forms and procedures for LEAs to use for McKinney-Vento disputes. The document contains two sections: Exhibit A Dispute of Eligibility, School Selection, or Enrollment Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Exhibit B Notice of Parent and Student Rights in the McKinney-Vento Enrollment Dispute Resolution Process Recently, the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) developed a document addressing disputes and homeless education. This document contains sample forms and procedures for districts to use.

26 Part II Part II – Support Services Academic Success Child NutritionTransportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Based on data reviewed earlier we know that statistically, students experiencing homelessness are likely to suffer academically. The next section discusses academic supports that schools can implement to help encourage academic success.

27 Support for Academic SuccessPart II Support for Academic Success States and LEAS must have procedures to eliminate barriers to academic and extracurricular activities, including magnet school, summer school, career and technical education, advanced placement, online learning, and charter school programs (g)(1)(F)(iii) States and LEAs must have procedures to identify and remove barriers that prevent youth from receiving appropriate credit for full or partial coursework satisfactorily completed while attending a prior school, in accordance with State, local, and school policies (g)(1)(F)(ii) Liaisons must implement those procedures (g)(6)(A)(x) States must develop procedures to eliminate barriers to all academic and extra-curricular activities. This would include magnet and summer schools, CTE programs, AP, online learning and charter schools. States must also have procedures to identify and remove barriers related to credit accrual for full or partial coursework that was completed while at another school. LEAs, which is all school districts and charter schools, must have the same policies and procedures in place. This is for both access to all school activities and programs, and help with credit accrual.

28 Support for Academic SuccessPart II Support for Academic Success Homeless students must be allowed to graduate from the previous district they were attending if they were on track to graduate and are not able to meet the criteria to graduate at the new district in which they are enrolled Texas SB 1494 Furthermore, the law allows students experiencing homelessness to graduate from the previous district if the meet the qualifications for the previous district but not for the new district. This is particularly helpful for students who change schools in high school which may have different local graduation plans.

29 Part II Part II – Support Services Higher Education/FAFSAChild Nutrition Transportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources Schools should have procedures in place to help students in homeless situations access higher education.

30 Financial Aid and FAFSA BasicsPart II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Families are expected to contribute to higher education costs For dependent students – filling out the FAFSA requires income and asset information for both the student and the parent, and a parent signature For independent students – no parental signature or income and asset information is needed All McKinney-Vento youth must be able to receive assistance from counselors to advise such youths, and prepare and improve the readiness of such youths for college (g)(1)(K) Liaisons must ensure unaccompanied youth are informed of their status as independent students and may obtain assistance from the liaison to receive verification of that status (g)(6)(A)(x)(III) For most students the FAFSA expects that families will contribute to higher education costs. Students who are required to provide this information are called dependent students. These students would be required to provide information including income and asset information. Independent students are not required to provide this information. Students who are both homeless and unaccompanied are automatically considered independent students. Local liaisons must inform unaccompanied homeless youth of this eligibility. All students experiencing homelessness should be able receive assistance from counselors for advice related to college readiness.

31 College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2008 (CCRAA)Part II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2008 (CCRAA) CCRAA uses the McKinney-Vento definition of “homeless” Includes a student living in the dorms if he/she otherwise would be homeless Grants independent student status to unaccompanied homeless youth and self-supporting youth at risk of homelessness At risk of homelessness: “when a student’s housing may cease to be fixed, regular, and adequate.” The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2008 (CCRAA), which eliminates some barriers to gaining funding for college, uses the same definition of homelessness as McKinney-Vento 40and would also include students living in dorms if they otherwise would be homeless. It grants independent status to unaccompanied homeless youth and self-supporting youth at risk of homelessness.

32 Financial Aid and FAFSA BasicsPart II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics CCRAA (continued) Includes a homeless student fleeing an abusive parent, even if the parent would provide housing and support Youth who have been in foster care at any time after age 13 are also automatically independent Eligible youth can apply for aid without parental signature or consideration of parental income Status must be verified by Local liaison, RHYA-funded shelter director or designee, HUD-funded shelter director or designee, OR College Financial Aid Administrator (FAA) after July 1 of the prior year Students included under CCRAA’s definition of homelessness would include students fleeing an abusive parent and youth who have been in foster care at any time after age 13. A parent signature is not required for eligible youth and a student’s can be verified by several entities, listed on the slide.

33 Additional changes in ESSA:Part II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Additional changes in ESSA: A local liaison may continue to provide verification of a youth’s status as either unaccompanied and homeless, or as self- supporting and at risk of being homeless, for federal student aid purposes for as long as the liaison has access to the information necessary to make such a determination for a particular youth. Institutions of Higher Education (IHE’s) are not required to verify answers provided on the FAFSA. If the IHE has conflicting information, a documented phone call or written statement should suffice. Financial Aid Administrators (FAA’s) should limit inquiry as to whether the applicant is homeless and should request evidence of homelessness, not information on why a student is homeless. A liaison is allowed to make verification for financial aid as long as they are aware of and have access to the student’s housing and guardianship information. Institutes of higher education are not required to verify information on the FAFSA. However, if they have conflicting information and seek verification, a documented phone call or a written statement from the liaison should suffice. Financial aid administrators (FAAs) should limit their inquiries and should only request evidence of homelessness and not information related to why a student is homeless.

34 Additional changes in ESSA (continued):Part II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Additional changes in ESSA (continued): FAA’s are required to make a homeless youth determination in the cases when a student makes a request for that status. If an institution has no conflicting information about the status of a student, the institution should not request additional documentation, proof, or statements. All applicants under age 24, including those who are 22 or 23 years old, and who are unaccompanied and homeless, or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless, qualify for a homeless youth determination and will be considered independent students. Are FAA’s required to make a determination if a homeless youth requests such status? Yes. Furthermore, the institution should not request further documentation, proof or statements unless they have conflicting information. The age limit for qualification for independent student status would be any student under the age of 24. Therefore all students who are homeless, unaccompanied and under the age of the 24 are to be considered independent students.

35 Additional changes in ESSA (continued):Part II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Additional changes in ESSA (continued): Homeless students may use any reliable mailing address, including the school’s address as long as they have contacted the school for permission and provided instructions for insuring that mail they receive at the school reaches them. If they acquire permanent housing, they should update their FAFSA address. Many times students may feel as though they do not have an address to use when applying for FAFSA. ESSA has been updated to clarify that students may use any reliable address, including the schools address (if granted permission by the school). Students should update their address with FAFSA when appropriate.

36 Financial Aid and FAFSA BasicsPart II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics October 1 FAFSA Application Deadline May Assist Homeless Youth Applicants The former January date fell frequently during winter breaks when assistance for homeless youth filling out the FAFSA was likely not available. The earlier date provides an opportunity for homeless students to know earlier what their financial aid information would be, supporting better decision-making in college choice. The earlier date allows working students or their parents to provide “prior-prior” tax information whereas, in the past, students might be unable to finish the FAFSA because tax information was not yet available. Please note that there is now an earlier date for the FAFSA deadline. The previous date was January 1st and often fell during winter breaks. The new date of October 1st provides an opportunity for homeless students to know earlier what their financial aid information will be, allowing for better decision making. It also allows students or parents to provide “prior-prior” year tax information. In the past, the most current information may not have been available and students may not have completed the FAFSA.

37 October 1 FAFSA Application Deadline (continued)Part II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics October 1 FAFSA Application Deadline (continued) FAFSA applications will be completed in approximately the same time as college admissions applications, enabling earlier access to need-based scholarships that require a completed FAFSA. The new deadline also falls in line with many college application deadlines. For the school year, students should fill out both the October and January FAFSA. The 2015 tax information should be used for both applications.

38 October 1 FAFSA Application Deadline (continued)Part II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics October 1 FAFSA Application Deadline (continued) The chart on this slide shows information related to changes to the FAFSA process for the school year.

39 Strategies for SuccessPart II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Strategies for Success Assist with the identification of “homeless” students Ensure that homelessness will not keep youth out of college Ensure that ALL eligible students complete the FAFSA as unaccompanied homeless youth Train counselors on the FAFSA provisions Students must be unaccompanied and homeless at the time they complete the FAFSA in order to obtain ISS status Changes in living situation/homeless or unaccompanied youth status require updates to the FAFSA application Liaisons can help homeless students be successful in accessing post-secondary education by informing them of their rights and helping to ensure that homelessness does not keep them out of college. Liaisons should ensure that all students that are homeless and unaccompanied complete the FAFSA as an independent student.

40 Strategies for Success: M-V FAFSA Roundup WeekPart II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Strategies for Success: M-V FAFSA Roundup Week Ready-made packets are available on THEO’s website: Sample script, sample letters for seniors FAFSA Tips for School Counselors tip sheet McKinney-Vento ID Checklist for counselors Links to sample FAFSA verification letters and in-depth information about independent students, homelessness, and the FAFSA Implementation support you need from THEO Schools should consider hosting a McKinney-Vento/FAFSA round-up week to increase awareness about the rights of homeless and homeless unaccompanied youth with regards to college access. THEO hosts ready-made packets on their website. The packets include sample scripts and letters, a tip sheet, a checklist for counselors, and in depth information about independent students, homelessness and the FAFSA. LEAs who need help with implementation should contact THEO for more information.

41 Financial Aid and FAFSA BasicsPart II Financial Aid and FAFSA Basics Video Segment #8 Region 10 video on the FAFSA 2:00 minutes https://vimeo.com/region10/review/ /8d8bea9eb9 This slide contains a video related to the FAFSA and homeless education.

42 Part II Part II – Support Services Website Resources Child NutritionTransportation Attendance TEC – Posting Homeless Resources Special Education Resolution of Disputes Academic Success Higher Education/FAFSA Website Resources The following slides contain information related to websites and other resources related to supporting student success and student support services.

43 www.theotx.org https://www.region10.org/mckinney-vento-homeless/Part I Website Resources https://www.region10.org/mckinney-vento-homeless/