Information for McKinney-Vento Families & Students

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Our goal is to provide helpful information to students and families experiencing homelessness. This webpage will be updated as needed with school and community resources.

Christine Schut, McKinney Vento/Foster Care Liaison, is available to help you.

Please contact Christine if you have eligibility, enrollment questions, other needs and for academic assistance & tutoring support.

email: christine.schut@k12northstar.org

phone: (907) 452-2000 Ext. 11431

Resources

• SchoolHouse Connection

• SchoolHouse Connection Strategies for Schools PreK-12

• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth (NAEHCY)

Program Purpose

The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program ensures that students and famlies experiencing homelessness over the course of a school year have equal and full access to the same educational opportunities provided to other students.

Our Goals

The McKinney-Vento Education Program addresses barriers associated with homelessness by:

• Facilitating school enrollment, attendance, and full opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities
• Reducing barriers to academic achievement
• Facilitating access to higher education
• Coordinating with local agencies to identify and connect to stabilizing supports
• Providing training to school personnel to ensure eligible students are identified

Students experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for Title I services. Title I offers educational support and services to children, youth, and their families who have lost their homes due to economic hardship, abuse, family conflict or other reasons.

McKinney-Vento students have the right to immediate enrollment with or without proof of residency, permanent address, birth certificate, immunization records or other school records.

A Social Services Manager (SSM) has been designated as the Homeless Liaison to ensure that students and families experiencing homelessness are identified, informed of their educational rights, enrolled in school, and receive appropriate services to succeed in school.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District is committed to promoting the academic success of all children and youth, including those experiencing housing instability.