What Is Needed For Enrollment In School?
The school district is required, by law, to seek all school-age children and enroll them in school. Because of the disruption caused by homelessness, these children may arrive at school without any records. Immediate enrollment of students in homeless situations provides stability and avoids separating children from school for days or weeks while documents are located. The school selected must immediately enroll the child and assist in obtaining the necessary records.
Records
The school records of each homeless child or youth shall be maintained so that the records are available, in a timely fashion, when a child or youth enters a new school district and in a manner consistent with federal and state law concerning student records.
Lack of school academic records cannot prevent the child from immediately enrolling in school.
Students who have no medical records or who have not been immunized should be referred to the Detroit Health Department where they may receive services at no cost – the student must be enrolled in school in the interim.
Residency
Each homeless child or youth may continue his/her education in the school district of origin or enroll in the school district where the child or youth is actually living, whichever is in the best interest of the child or youth.
Guardianship
The homeless student shall not be denied school enrollment due to the lack of a parent or legal guardian. A school shall not delay or deny timely educational placement and services for the homeless student who may be living with someone other than a parent or legal guardian.
In the case of an unaccompanied youth, the LEA (Local Educational Agency) Homeless Liaison must assist in placement/enrollment decision, consider the youth’s wishes, and provide notice to the youth of the right to appeal under the enrollment disputes provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act.
Related Links: