Overcoming Immunization and Other Barriers to Homeless Education
Explore the challenges faced by homeless children in accessing education due to barriers such as lack of immunization records, school supplies, clothing, and transportation. Discover insights on how state and local agencies can work together to remove these obstacles and ensure the enrollment of homeless youths.
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Immunizations and Other Barriers to Homeless Education David Ray Region 10 ESC www.region10.org/MVH David.Ray@Region10.org 972.348.1786
Non-Agenda We will not spend anytime discussing the ethical or moral pros and cons related to providing services to people in homeless situations.
Agenda What is a Barrier Immunizations & Other School Records Client & Community Awareness Transportation Scenarios Questions
What Does M-V Say About Barriers? The State must remove barriers related to residency requirements and inclusion in schools. The State must provide data on barriers. The State and Local Education Agencies shall review and revise any policies that may act as a barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths
What is a Barrier? A fence or other object that prevents movement or access A circumstance or obstacle that keeps people or things apart or prevents communication or progress
What is a Barrier? Barriers can cause undue delay or lack of access.
Possible Barriers Lack of School Appropriate Clothing Lack of School Supplies Lack of Awareness of Law/Rights Lack of School Records (Immunizations) Lack of Transportation
Lack of Immunization/Immunization Records What does M-V say about immunizations? Reduce enrollment delays related to imm. Immediate referral to HoLi Maintenance of imm. Records Revise policies related to imm. The use of TEXSHEP funds for fees
Immunization and M-V If the child or youth needs to obtain immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the enrolling school shall immediately refer the parent or guardian of the child or youth to the local educational agency liaison, who shall assist in obtaining necessary immunizations, immunization or medical records.
Required Immunizations for Schools Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis Polio Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Hepatitis B Varicella Meningococcal Hepatitis A
Provisional Enrollment without Immunizations? Texas Administrative Code Provisional Enrollment for Students A student who is homeless, shall be admitted temporarily for 30 days if acceptable evidence of vaccination is not available. The school shall promptly refer the student to appropriate public health programs to obtain the required vaccinations.
Exclusions/Exemptions from Immunizations Medical Reasons of Conscience, including a religious belief Serologic Immunity
Immunizations and Homelessness Summary In Summary Students who lack immunizations or immunization records are to be referred to HoLi immediately Can be provisionally enrolled for 30 days
Immunizations Best Practices HoLi and Nurses should be well acquainted Get to know medical providers in your area Develop a plan/policies/procedures for lack of immunizations
Other Records Birth Certificates Previous School Records Guardianship Records Proof of Residency
Awareness What does M-V say about increasing/creating awareness? Parents/guardians are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children Fully informed of all transportation services
Awareness What does M-V say about increasing/creating awareness? States and LEAs shall inform school personnel, service providers, and advocates working with homeless families of the duties of the local agency liaisons.
Other Ways to Increase Awareness Best Practices Posters and Pamphlets Meet with Community Service Providers Increase Awareness at your School (Staff Meetings) Conduct Resource Fairs Webinars Texas Homeless Education Office Website
Connections for HoLis Hotels/Motels Shelters Food/Clothes Closets Churches CPS Other Service Providers County Homeless Coalitions
Ways to Talk to Your School Homelessness Data Poverty Data Anecdotal Stories Visit Shelters for 1sthand experience Worn Out Welcome Mat Videos Success Stories
Transportation The FY 2000 Report to Congress cited lack of transportation as the number one barrier that homeless children and youth faced in attempting to enroll in and attend school regularly. U.S. Department of Education s McKinney- Vento Report to Congress for Fiscal Year 2000
What does M-V say about Transportation?
Methods of Transportation Traditional School Busses Taxi Services Local City Transportation Contracted Transportation Services Shelter Transportation Reimbursing Parents Other?
Best Practice Get to know the other HoLis in your area Map out current transportation routes Consider positive transitions from one school to the next, when the SoO is not in the student s best interest Help families determine the best school
Scenario 1 Hillary 15 years old Runaway from home Claims an abusive father Currently living with Aunt in your district Has no records when enrolling Possible Barriers No school records Inability to leave school (excused absences) Physical for Athletics Lack of School Supplies
Scenario 2 Donald recently lost his housing in a different state. He and his family are sharing a hotel with a family friend. The hotel is in your district. Can this student be enrolled immediately? What if the student does not have the immunizations required for Texas schools?
Scenario 3 Ted and his mother recently doubled-up due to financial hardship and allegations of abuse. The new living arrangement is outside of your district attendance zone. The family is reluctant to reveal the new address. What about the address? What about transportation? What about FERPA?
Scenario 4 Bernie is a student identified as homeless, doubled-up, and recently came to enroll in your district. He had previously had an exemption to immunizations. Does the exemption still apply to enrolling in your district?
Best Practices Barriers are best eliminated preemptively by good planning.
Questions? Questions?
