Purpose

Each year, more than 800,000 children and youths in the United States experience homelessness. The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is intended to ensure that homelessness does not cause these children to be left behind in school. Homeless children and youths should have access to the education and other services that they need to meet the same challenging state student academic achievement standards to which all students are held.

WHAT'S NEW--The No Child Left Behind Act

Reduces Bureaucracy and Increases Flexibility

• Enrollment in school of choice. Requires that, pending resolution of a dispute about school placement, a school district must immediately enroll a homeless student in the student's school of origin or other school selected on the basis of the child's best interest and provide a written explanation of the rights of appeal to the parent or guardian and student.

How It Works

Formula grants are made to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico based on each state's share of Title I funds. The outlying areas and the Bureau of Indian Affairs also receive funds. State education agencies (SEAs) then provide competitive subgrants to local school districts. States must make subgrants to districts to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youths. These may address problems caused by transportation issues, immunization and residency requirements, lack of birth certificates and school records, and guardianship issues.

Key Requirements

Activities under the state formula grants include:

• Activities to carry out the program's goals;
• Activities for, and services to, homeless children, including preschool-age homeless children, and youths that enable them to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school or preschool programs;
• Establishing or designating an Office of Coordinator for Education of Homeless Children and Youths in each SEA;
• Preparing and carrying out the state plan; and