Connecting the Dots!! Targeted Supports for MCV Students

5th Regional Conference toEnd HomelessnessNorfolk, VA March 11, 2014

Objectives

• Discuss MCV history in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and role of A Child’s Place (ACP) as partner

• Share assessment tools • Discuss funding strategies• Showcase strategies that support MCV students• Showcase strategies that support MCV families

BackgroundCharlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) is an urban school district with the largest homeless population in North Carolina. It is the 18th largest school district in the country.

A Child’s Place (ACP) is a non-profit that works to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Background• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

– 144,000 students in 160 schools– 53% of students are Economically Disadvantaged– 73 Title I Schools

• McKinney-Vento Students– 2012-2013: 4,770 MCV students – 2011-2012: 4,922 MCV students– 2010-2011: 4,711 MCV students– 2009-2010: 4,453 MCV students

MCV in Charlotte-Mecklenburg• District Liaison• School Liaisons• Coordination with Transportation, Child

Nutrition, Student Placement, Family/Community Services, International Center, Title I, School Health

• Coordination with Community Resources/Agencies

• MCV students identified in 98% of our schools

District Connections• 9 MCV Social Workers-6 High schools, 2 K-8

schools (year round), 1 Elementary school• Annual training of identified MCV Liaison at every

school • Assessment connects siblings at other schools

(A Child’s Place assists with this also)• Services Fair-connects schools with community

resources

Role of MCV Social Worker• General School Social Worker

– Responsible for ENTIRE school– Focus on attendance, crisis and other critical issues

• McKinney-Vento School Social Worker– Spotlight on MCV students and families – Attendance and Transportation– Academic Challenges– Social/Emotional Needs– Family Needs Assessment– General School Support

Assessment Tools• Student In Transition Assessment

• Child Nutrition Notification

• Academic Assessment

• Services Checklist

Academic Supports/AttendanceI. Meet with the student’s counselor

A. Credit Check ReviewB. On or Off Track for 2010-2014 Cohort

1. Credit Recovery2. Remedial Supports3. Twilight School4. N.C. Virtual Public School

Academic Supports/AttendanceII. Student/ Parent Conference

A. GPAB. Credit Check Review/On or off-track for cohortC. Post High School Plans

1. College/Community Collegea. SAT or ACTb. State or Private Institutionc. FAFSA (Question #55)d. College Tours and College Supplies

1. College/

Academic Supports/Attendance2. World of Work

a. Resume workshopsb. Internshipsc. Summer work programs d. NC Vocational Rehab Program

3. Militarya. ASVAB examb. Recruiters

Funding MCV Program• Title I Set Aside

2 MCV Social Workers After School Enrichment and Tutoring Small amount for field trips and supplies

• MCV Subgrant 1 MCV Social Worker Supplies and NAEHCY conference

• School Improvement Grants (ending in June) 3 MCV Social Workers

• District Title I Funds 3 MCV Social Workers

• Academic Assessment

• Services Checklist

Family Engagement• PTSA (provide FOOD for meetings!)

Different types of fund raising to get more people involved.

• Websites, Social media, Connect Ed-radio announcer assisting for one group

• Transportation and Bus passes

Trainings and Family Fun Nights

Resource Experts• Restrictions and requirements to participate in

programs • Eligibility vs. Ineligibility• Which referral at which time…• And…who is in control?

“Once a person is determined to help themselves, there is nothing that can stop them.”

- Nelson Mandela

• One of the greatest challenges is assisting families to regain or, for some, gain stability

• What are the family’s goals? Based on statement and actions – sometimes they do not match

• Some things are beyond their circumstances/abilities… or for the best

• We can be those eyes of healing AND recognizing movement and change – even when families find themselves “back where they started”

Challenges & Triumphs

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

A Child’s Place OverviewA Child’s Place Overview• Began in 1989 as a one-room classroom• 2,656 students served (56%) in 2012-2013• Concentrates in 33 elementary and middle

schools• Works to erase impact of homelessness• Programs focus on student support,

academic support, parent support and summer day camp

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Team ApproachTeam Approach10 Social Work Teams made up of:•Masters-level social worker:

o works with family to resolve issues contributing to their housing crisis through referrals

o works with children in small groups and individually

•Professional student advocate:o identifies and secures solutions to children’s needso coordinates volunteer serviceso Provides additional tutoring and mentoring services

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Team ApproachTeam ApproachService Models:•School-based model – 1 Social Worker and 1 Student Advocate located in 1-2 schools•Flex Team Model - 1 Social Worker and 1 Student Advocate serving 6 schools•Brief Contacts

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

ServicesServices• Leverage community resources to provide basic

needs• Medical and dental care• Coordinate academic help• Small social skills groups• Community volunteers as tutors and lunch

buddies

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

ServicesServices• Family advocacy and education• Holiday sponsorship• Additional food at school breaks• Involvement in community housing issues• Free summer day camp for qualified students

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Partnership with CMSPartnership with CMS• McKinney-Vento identification• School office space• School staff ID badges• Volunteer background checks• Student attendance, behavior and academic data• Joint staff trainings

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Partnership with CMSPartnership with CMS• Parent University trainings• School sites for summer camp• Summer Feeding program• Contract for summer camp transportation

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Community InitiativesCommunity Initiatives• Over 150 community partnerships with service

providers, government, businesses and faith community

• Participate in community coalitions and collaborations that benefit homeless children

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

FundingFunding• Foundations - 29%• Individuals - 28%• Faith and Civic Organizations - 18%• Businesses - 15%• United Way - 10%.

Working to erase the impact of homelessness on children and their education.

Outcomes (2012-2013)Outcomes (2012-2013)• Reached 2,656 of the 4,770 identified homeless

children (56%) in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 2012-2013:

• 99% were promoted to the next grade level• 92% received a passing grade in reading• 92% received a passing grade in math70% had an

average or better attendance rating by the final marking period

• 92% had an average or higher behavior rating by the final marking period

• 65% had at least one health need met• 34% of children with educational gaps were identified

and addressed

PresenterPresenter Information Information

Dearsley Vernon, McKinney-Vento Specialistdearsley1.vernon@cms.k12.nc.us

Annabelle Suddreth, Executive Directorasuddreth@achildsplace.org