Homeless Children and Youth

The mission of the Department of Public Instruction Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program is to ensure educational equity and success for students experiencing homelessness by providing support under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which defines homeless children and youths as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Examples within the law include children and youth in the following situations:

  • sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;

  • living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing;

  • living in emergency or transitional shelters;

  • abandoned in hospitals;

  • living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;

  • living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places; and/or

  • living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory.

McKinney-Vento supports include:

  • ability for homeless students to continue to attend their school or origin (the school they have been previously attending)

  • assessment of needed transportation support to/from the school of origin

  • authorization of free school meals

  • waiving of school fees

  • access to educational materials/supplies

  • assistance overcoming any school enrollment barriers

  • linking to community resources, support, and services 

If you are personally aware of or are acquainted with any children or youth who may qualify according to the above criteria, the Weyauwega-Fremont School District provides the following assurances to parents and guardians of homeless children and youth and unaccompanied homeless youth:

  • The child or youth shall be immediately enrolled and allowed to fully participate in school, even if unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (e.g., academic records, immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, or other documentation) or has missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness.

  • Homeless children and youths are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their statusas homeless and have full and equal educational and related opportunities.

  • Meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children including special notices of events, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and access to student records.

  • Immediate enrollment and transportation to the school of origin. “School of origin” means the school that a child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled, including a preschool.

  • Written explanation of any decisions related to school selection or enrollment made by the school, the local educational agency, or the State educational agency involved, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to appeal and receive prompt resolution of such decisions.

Office: (920) 867-8821
410 East Ann Street
Weyauwega, WI 54983
email

Students experiencing homelessness need to be qualified for McKinney Vento support through the school district McKinney Vento Liaison (this eligibility is determined each school year).  The liaison is key to ensuring homeless children and youth receive the services they need and is the primary contact between homeless families, schools and staff, shelter workers, and other service providers. 

The liaison is able to explain educational supports, assess options for staying at the school of origin or transferring to the new resident/neighborhood school, and assist families in linking to needed community resources for housing and basic needs.  Parents and/or students can self identify or school staff can refer students for qualification and support.

Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance

Supporting the Success of Homeless Children and Youths: A fact sheet & tips for teachers, principals, school leaders, counselors, and other school staff