Who is homeless? Anyone who, due to a lack of housing, lives:

• in emergency or transitional shelters
• in motels, hotels, campgrounds, abandoned in hospitals, or awaiting foster care
• in cars, parks, public places, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings
• doubled up with relatives or friends
• migratory children living in these conditions
  

What are your rights?

• Homeless children have a right to attend school.
• You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
• Homeless children have the right to stay in their home school if the parents choose.
• Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
• Your child has the opportunity to receive transportation services to and from the school of origin.
• Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, or local programs for which he/she is eligible.
  

At school, ask about these special services:

What your family can do before you move:

• Tell your child's teacher and principal that your child is moving and give them the new address.
• Let school officials know if you want your child to stay in his/her home school while your are getting the family stabilized.
• Ask for a copy of your child's school records, including immunizations.
• Provide your child with an opportunity to say goodbye to friends.
  

Tips for families who move often:

• Keep a copy of birth certificates and school records accessible.
• Safeguard all health and immunization records.
• Have a reliable person keep a second copy of the child's birth certificate, school records, and health information.
• Enroll children in school as soon as possible.
• Inform the new school about any special education records that pertain to your child.
  

Special Education:

Children with special needs between the ages of 3 and 21 are eligible to receive a free, appropriate education provided through the public school system. Parents who believe their child may be eligible for services should contact their child's school or the school district.

Homeless Education Liaison:

Randee Garrett
(208) 337-4033
rgarrett@homedaleschools.org