Educating Homeless Children

Educating Homeless Children

By Ivon Hernandez

Definition of a Homeless Student

• A child who lacks a fixed, regular residence and lives in

a place that would not be normal used for human beings.

(Parks, Cars, under bridges,etc.)

Facts• The number of homeless

children in 2000 was 930,200 in the United States alone.

• It is estimated that 1.35 million children will experience homelessness over the course of a year.

• Preschool & elementary school age children are the largest numbers of kids experiencing homelessness.

The McKinney-Vento Act

*First & only major federal legislative response to homelessness.

*Established in early 1980s.*Provides states w/funding for homeless individuals.

Used to provide services to students.*Requires schools districts to stabilize children in

one school. *Requires that students can be enrolled in school

immediately, no matter what the situation is.*Original amount Congress approved $70 million for

2003; amount really given: $50 million

What a homeless student feels

• Embarrassment• Stress• Anxiety• Fear• Depression• Suicide

Barriers homeless children and teens face

• School enrollment• Transportation• Documents• Embarrassment• Unable to participate in federal &

state programs• School districts

Elementary aged students vs. Teens

• Who suffers more?

• Why?Teenagers account for 15 to

20 percent of the total homeless population.

One Million children and teens become homeless each year in the United

States.

What teachers need to do

• Reassurance• Be understanding & patient• Accommodate• Be aware of their situation• Communicate • Don’t assume anything• Be active • Establish a relationship with the child• Find a buddy• Offer help• Be caring & respectful

Current funding in Wisconsin

• During the 2005-06 granting cycles, the following ten (10) districts in Wisconsin were awarded McKinney-Vento grants totaling $690,740: That’s $69,074 for each district. Is this enough?

Discussion Questions

• Do you think homeless students should attend mainstreamed schools or special schools that only homeless students attend? Why or Why not?

• How would you approach a parent if you had concerns that a student was homeless?