6:140-AP2 Registration Guidelines for Homeless Students

Step 1:  Determine if the student is homeless

A student is considered “homeless” if he/she is currently living…

• With relatives or others due to lack of housing.
• In a shelter, motel/hotel, campground or similar housing.
• In a train or bus station, car or abandoned building.
• In temporary housing while awaiting DCFS foster care placement.

Step 2:  Enroll the student based on the following guidelines:

All homeless students have the right to:

• Immediate school enrollment (even if they are missing health, immunization, school records, proof of guardianship or proof of residency).
• Enroll in the school he/she was enrolled in when permanently house (school of origin) or..
• Enroll in the school he/she was last enrolled or…
• Enroll in any school that non-homeless students in the same attendance area attend.
• Remain enrolled in his/her SELECTED school for as long as he/she remains homeless or, if the student becomes permanently housed until the end of the academic year.
• Automatic Fee Waiver and Free Lunch (Do not have to fill out fee-waiver forms)

Step 3:   Complete the Homeless Interview using the McKinney-Vento Form

• School staff member fills out our McKinney-Vento Homeless Form with family.
• Staff member gathers information about student’s current living situation.
• Staff member inquires about special education/ELL/Gifted Education.
• Staff member asks family about other supports they may need that are indicated on the form, and checks all appropriate boxes.
• Parent and Staff member sign the form.
• Building Staff gathers school supplies for homeless student.

Step 4:  Forward Information to Central Office

• Staff member e-mails Homeless Liaison and Finance Secretary the name of the new student
• Staff member forwards Homeless Form to Homeless Liaison

Step 5:  Central Office responsibilities

• Finance Secretary will take care of free lunch/fee waiver information
• Homeless Liaison will follow up on other supports listed on the interview form
• Student Services Secretary will take care of the transportation needs
• If student is living in another district and being transported to Batavia, the cost of transportation will be shared with the other district.

Date Approved:  January 11, 2012