Ed474 384 The Education For Homeless Children And Youth Program

A 1984 amendment to the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act instructs states to ensure that homeless students have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education as nonhomeless students. It provides local educational authorities increased flexibility to use funds, specify the rights of homeless preschoolers, give parents of homeless children and youth a greater voice in their children's school placement, and require educational authorities to coordinate with housing authorities. Researchers surveyed all state coordinators of education of homeless children and youth and visited school districts that did and did not receive McKinney grants. Data on four areas of state and local activity are provided: ( 1 ) 'changes in education and services to homeless children and youth under the reauthorized Act; (2) services and activities of the state Office of the Coordinator of Education of Homeless Children and Youth; (3) the McKinney Act subgrant award process, and how local education agencies with McKinney subgrants supplement services available to homeless children and youth and remove barriers to their school enrollment and success; and (4) establishment of programs and policies for homeless students in local education agencies. Recommendations of state coordinators and policy implications are included.