Each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth shall have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.
This policy applies to homeless children and youths and unaccompanied youths, as those terms are defined in Section 725 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11434a, who live in or attend school in the DeKalb County School District. The Superintendent shall establish an Office of the Homeless Liaison to assist such students and youths and their parents or guardians.
- Educational Placement and Enrollment
A homeless child or youth, or an unaccompanied youth, may be permitted to either (1) remain in the school in which she or he was enrolled prior to becoming homeless (the “school of origin”) for the remainder of the school year or (2) enroll in the school in the attendance area where she or he now lives, whichever is determined by the District to be in the best interest of the child or youth.
The principal of the school of attendance, or his or her designee, shall immediately enroll the child or youth, even in the absence of the appropriate documentation required for school enrollment.
The registrar or counselor of the school of attendance and the Office of the Homeless Liaison shall assist the student in acquiring the necessary records for enrollment. The Office of the Homeless Liaison shall ensure that the student’s records are transferred from the student’s previous school of attendance.
Any dispute regarding the educational placement of a homeless child shall be presented to the Office of Student Assignment for resolution in conjunction with the Office of the Homeless Liaison. If the matter is not resolved at that level, the dispute shall be brought to the Superintendent or designee for final resolution.
- Services
Homeless children or youths and unaccompanied youths are eligible to receive comparable services, meaning the same services received by their non-homeless peers.
Transportation arrangements shall be provided and coordinated with the school of origin and/or other school districts if necessary.
Homeless children and youths are automatically eligible for free meals.
Homeless children and youths are automatically eligible for Title I services, regardless of what school they attend.
Homeless children will receive priority enrollment in preschool programs.
- Additional Responsibilities of the Office of the Homeless Liaison
At least once a year, the Office of the Homeless Liaison will conduct trainings and sensitivity/awareness activities for the District and school staff, including assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, federal program administrators, registrars, school secretaries, school counselors, school social workers, bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, school nurses, and teachers.
The Office of the Homeless Liaison will coordinate with and seek support from the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, public and private service providers, housing, and placement agencies.
Legal References
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0150 — Eligibility for enrollment (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0293 — Student attending school in system other than system of student's residence (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0690.1 — Mandatory education for children between ages six and 16 (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-0694 — Administration and enforcement of attendance requirements (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-02-1076 — Alternative vehicles for school buses; limitations on use; requirements; insurance (Lexis)
- O.C.G.A. 20-03-0066 — Determination of in-state resident status of students for tuition or fees (Lexis)
- Rule 160-5-1-.28 — Student Enrollment and Withdrawal
- Rule 160-5-3-.17 — Use of Alternative Vehicles for the Transport of Students
- 42 USC 11431 — Education for Homeless Children and Youths