About the Homeless Education Program
The Homeless Education Program is designed to support districts and charters as they strive to meet the unique needs of students experiencing homelessness. Technical assistance is provided through statute interpretation, identification, and service requirements as it relates to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Collaboration is also facilitated between schools and regional community agencies to ensure that identified homeless students receive the necessary services. This video provides information to ensure districts gather the necessary details to determine McKinney-Vento identification.
District McKinney-Vento Liaisons
Each Local Education Agency (LEA) must designate a representative as their district’s/charter’s Homeless Liaison. Liaisons ensure that:
Access the District Homeless Liaison Directory for Region 9.
Regional McKinney-Vento Liaison
Each Regional Education Service Center is also required to designate a Homeless Liaison to assist LEAs in the identification and service of homeless students. The ESC representative also facilitates trainings and resources for district homeless liaisons. Contact information for the Region 9 ESC Homeless Liaison is:
lacy.murphey@esc9.net
940.322.6928
TEA McKinney-Vento Informational Posters
The Texas Education Agency recently released digital files of the new McKinney-Vento posters. There are two versions of the poster, one to assist parents of school-age youth (English & Spanish) and a second to assist unaccompanied youth (English & Spanish). Should you need additional printed posters, please contact Lacy Murphey.
TEA Covid-19 Guidance
The Texas Education Agency has released guidance for districts related to COVID-19 for homeless students. Click on the following link to view the most up-to-date document: COVID-19: Guidance for Students Experiencing Homelessness
The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Support Center also has a COVID-19 Resource Page to help students experiencing homelessness during these uncertain time.
The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Support Center provides technical assistance to anyone, anywhere in the state, regarding issues related to children and youth experiencing homelessness. Call the TEHCY Support Center toll-free anytime: 1-800-446-3142. Take time to check out the TEHCY resources, trainings, and webinars.
The Texas Education Agency also provides information for homeless students, services, and opportunities. Specific topics include: Identification, Enrollment, School Determination, Transportation, and Dispute Resolution.
Other Web-Based Resources
1 in 5 Minds 24-Hour Hotlines and Help
Multiple Needs Multiple Exceptionalities
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
National Coalition for Homeless