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Homeless Student Services
RIGHTS OF CHILDREN AND YOUTH EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS |
If your family is in a temporary or inadequate living situation because you have lost your housing, your child may be eligible for certain educational services. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, a Federal law, the Laconia School District is responsible for providing certain services to children and unaccompanied youth (children living apart from a parent or legal guardian) who are considered “homeless.”
Who is considered “homeless”? Under Federal law, a student is considered homeless if the student:
What rights and services can homeless students expect from the Laconia School District? 1. In General: Homeless students are entitled to a free and appropriate public education, the same as all other students in the District. The District will not stigmatize or segregate any student because he or she is homeless. 2. School Attendance and Enrollment: A homeless student can continue to attend his or her “school of origin” (that is, the school attended before becoming homeless, or the school in which the student was last enrolled) or can enroll in the local public school. If feasible, at the family’s request the District will arrange transportation for any student
Homeless students who enroll in the local public school where they living temporarily will be immediately enrolled in school even if they lack medical records, immunization records, school records, proof of residence, proof of guardianship or any other records usually required for school enrollment. 3. Disputes: If the District places the student in a school and the family disagrees with that placement, the District must explain the decision in writing and must provide a written explanation of how to appeal the decision. 4. Transportation: The District will arrange, at no cost to the student, transportation to the school of origin or, if the student enrolls in the local school, to that school in accordance with District transportation guidelines. Transportation remains in effect as long as the student is homeless and until the end of the school year in which the student moves into permanent housing. 5. School Meals: The District will arrange free meals (breakfast and/or lunch as offered by the school) at the family’s request. Once it is determined that the student is eligible for free meals, the free meals can remain in effect for the entire school year. 6. Title 1 Services: Homeless students are entitled to certain other services, such as extended daycare, preschool, and supplemental tutoring instruction, clothing, and school supplies. The District will arrange these services if applicable. Title 1 services remain available as long as the student is homeless and until the end of the school year in which the student moves into permanent housing. Who can help? The Laconia School District has appointed Student Outreach Coordinators and Social Workers who can help families enroll their children and obtain other services. You can inquire about our Outreach Coordinators/Social Workers by asking the Administrative Assistant at that school. In addition, the State of New Hampshire Department of Education has appointed a State Homeless Education Coordinator who can help with any problems. Christina Dotson: email: [email protected] Phone: 603-271-3840 What are the family’s responsibilities? Families who have lost their housing should keep in contact with the District's Student Outreach Coordinators or Social Workers as their living arrangements change, and should contact District Student Outreach Coordinators or Social Workers for your child's school when they obtain permanent housing. This helps the school keep in touch with parents and students. If you have any questions, please call the respective Student Outreach Coordinators listed below. Student Outreach Coordinators
Social Workers
What are the Duties of the Homeless Liaison for the Laconia School District? Link to Duties of the Homeless Liaison Information for Families in Transition |