Homeless Liaison and Foster Care Point of Contact
Dr. Tara Quinn-Schuldt
770.479.1871
tara.quinn-schuldt@cherokeek12.net
Homeless Children and Youth Education Program
How is homelessness defined?
Individuals whose nighttime residence is NOT:
- Fixed, stationary, permanent and not subject to change.
- Regularly used on a predictable, routine or consistent basis.
- Adequately sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in the home.
This could include:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason;
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations;
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters;
- Abandoned in hospitals;
- Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus stations, train stations or similar settings;
- Living in a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- Migratory – who qualify as homeless living in circumstances described above.
What services are available for students experiencing homelessness?
- National School Lunch Program.
- Transportation for student(s) to remain in their school of origin.
- Education services for which the students meets the eligibility criteria including, but not limited to Title I, programs for students with disabilities, programs for students with limited English proficiency and Talented and Gifted programs.
- Programs in Career, Technical and Agricultural education.
- After-school programs at some school sites.
- Help obtaining an instrument for orchestra or band.
- Assistance with extracurricular activity fees or equipment requirements.
- Providing access to technology.
How do I request an evaluation/determination of my child's situation?
If you believe your family is experiencing homelessness, please contact your student's counselor or school social worker.
Appeal Process
Any dispute regarding providing a public education to a child designated as homeless will be presented to the school principal to be resolved. If the matter is not resolved at that level, the dispute shall be brought to the Superintendent or designee who will resolve the matter. If the matter is not resolved at this level, the dispute shall be brought to the Board of Education. In the event the dispute cannot be resolved locally, the parent/guardian may request a review of the dispute by
the Georgia Department of Education.
Enrollment of Homeless Students
Any person, including unaccompanied youth, considered homeless within the zone of the school shall be accepted immediately into and registered as a student by the school. Students who become homeless shall be enrolled in zoned school or school of origin, based on the best interest of the children. If a student does not have the required documents (birth certificate and certificate of immunization) school personnel will assist the family in getting those documents but the student will be allowed to enroll. The lack of a permanent address will not stop school enrollment. The address of a shelter or temporary residence can be used by the student/ parent/guardian for enrollment. Verification of homeless status must be evaluated every school year.
Important Contacts
Web Page Link: School Social Workers and Student Support Personnel
Georgia Department of Education
Homeless Education Program Consultant
Maria Davis (678) 326-0397
Resources for Homeless Families
Web Page Link: Resources for Homeless Families
Document Link: printable version Homeless Children and Youth Education Program Brochure - English
Document Link: printable version Homeless Children and Youth Education Program Brochure - Spanish
The Cherokee County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status or sexual orientation in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities.
Guidelines for Homeless Students
Section 103-(a) (1) (2) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1994 defines a homeless child as one who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Homeless children shall not be denied enrollment in school and shall be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the school. Schools must assist homeless children in meeting registration requirements.
Our goal is to be an exemplary school district in providing for the needs of homeless students.
When the screening assessment process identifies a student as homeless, the Administrators should:
- Remove barriers to enrollment as directed by the McKinney Act and State Department of Education guidelines. Barriers may include residency requirements, birth certificates, immunizations, or lack of records.
- Contact the office of Student Services for assistance in identifying homeless situations.
- Complete a residency exemption form for their file if residency is with other than parent or guardian.
- Train staff to treat homelessness with sensitivity and awareness and to adhere to confidentiality of information.
- Take leadership in providing available services (i.e., free lunch/breakfast, after school program, school supplies, SST referral, Title I, counseling, etc.)
- Place student on priority list for any educational or support services.
- Consider referral to school social worker for family service needs.
- Make referral to DFACS if situation indicates.
Education of Homeless Students Steps
1. CCSD personnel forward initial information relative to a possible homeless student to the school Principal or designee.
2. The school Principal or designee gathers and then sends all pertinent information to the assigned School Social Worker in the Office of School Leadership & Operations.
3. The School Social Worker discusses the information with the Homeless Liaison who then visits the parent/guardian to verify if the student lives in a homeless situation (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act). The School Social Worker notifies the parent/guardian of all possible services that may be provided.
a. If the student does not qualify as homeless, the school Principal or designee is notified.
b. If the student does qualify as homeless, the school Principal or designee is notified, the Residency Information form is completed, and all appropriate services are provided to the student and family.
Document Link: printable version Homeless Services Step Sheet
Web Page Link: Enrollment Guidelines for Educating the Homeless