Linwood Public Charter School shall provide an educational environment that treats all students with dignity and respect. Every homeless student shall have access to the same free and appropriate educational opportunities.

This commitment to the educational rights of homeless children, youth, and unaccompanied youth, applies to all services, programs, and activities provided or made available.

A student may be considered eligible for services as a “Homeless Child or Youth” under the McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act if he or she is presently living:

• In a Shelter - Student living in temporary shelters (Ex.) Homeless Shelter, Domestic Violence Shelter, Transitional Housing Programs, or Temporary Foster Care Placements
• Doubled Up - Student temporarily sharing the housing of other persons (Friends or Relatives) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• Unsheltered - Student living in abandoned buildings, campgrounds and vehicles, inadequate trailer parks, bus and train stations substandard housing or abandoned in the hospital
• In a Hotel/Motel - Student temporarily living in a hotel or motel due to lack of alternate adequate accommodations

According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act, eligible students have rights to:
Immediate enrollment: Homeless children and youth will be immediately enrolled in school, with or without required documentation (including immunization). School Personnel will use their best efforts to assist the family in attaining required records at a later date, if necessary (and/or assisting the child in obtaining required immunizations). Documentation and immunization records cannot serve as a barrier to enrollment in school.

School Selection: McKinney Vento eligible students have a right to select from the following schools:

• The school he/she attended when permanently housed (School of Origin)
• The school in which he/she was last enrolled (School of Origin)
• The school in the attendance area in which the student currently resides (School of Residency)

Remain enrolled: Students will remain enrolled in his/her selected school for the duration of homelessness, or until the academic year upon which they are permanently housed. Homeless children and youth will receive equal, free and appropriate education as other children. Each child, including preschool aged children, will have access to all services they need to allow for meeting the academic achievement standards to which all students are held accountable.

Participate in programs: Children will not be separated from the mainstream school environment on the basis of living status. They will participate in programs for which they are eligible, including Title I tutoring programs, National School Lunch Program, etc.

Transportation Services: A McKinney-Vento eligible student attending his/her School of Origin has a right to transportation to and from the School of Origin.

Dispute Resolution: In the event of a disagreement with school officials about enrollment, transportation, or fair treatment of a homeless child or youth, a complaint may be filed with the LEA office. It must respond and attempt to resolve the dispute. During the dispute, the student will be enrolled and provided transportation until the matter is resolved. The Homeless Liaison will assist the family in the decision-making process, provide notice of any appeal process, and assist the completion of any dispute forms.

In accordance with Title X, Part C, Section 722(g) LPCS, liaison for homeless children and youth, shall ensure:

• Homeless children and youths are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies;
• Homeless children and youths enroll in and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in school of that local educational agency;
• Homeless families, children, and youths receive educational services for which such families, children and youths are eligible including preschool programs administered by the local educational agency, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services, and other appropriate services;
• The parents or guardians of homeless children and youths are informed of the educational and related service opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children;
• Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youths is disseminated where such children and youths receive services under this Act, such as schools, family shelters, and soup kitchens;
• Enrollment disputes are mediated; and
• Parents or guardians of a homeless child or youth, and any unaccompanied youth, is fully informed of all transportation services, including transportation to the school of origin, and is assisted in accessing transportation.

For more information, contact Talya Scroggins at tscroggins@inwoodcharter.org.