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?