NYS Technical and Educational Assistance Center for Homeless Students, 41 State Street, Suite 403, Albany, NY (2025)

03/19/2025

Order Posters and Brochures!

Help raise awareness and promote educational access and success for students experiencing homelessness.

NYS-TEACHS offers FREE brochures and posters with information on the educational rights of children and youth who are homeless. Brochures and posters are available in both English and Spanish. NYS-TEACHS also carries posters in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Korean, Russian, French and Urdu.

Recommendations for placement, in addition to all schools within the district:
Local community libraries
Grocery stores with a bulletin board
Local banks
Churches
Other public community locations that allow public posters

We would love to here where you have your posters!

To order posters, or download them, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/order-brochures/brochures-posters

03/18/2025

UPCOMING MARCH WEBINAR

Supporting Students in Temporary Housing: Liaising Through a Social-Emotional Framework
Thursday, March 27
9:30-11:00 am

This session will utilize the CASEL framework, specifically the CASEL 5 components: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness, as the foundation for our discussion. Participants will gain specific, actionable strategies to support the social-emotional needs and growth of students, particularly those experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
• Understand the concepts of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness and the importance of each in the context of social-emotional learning.

• Identify strategies to promote these concepts among students in challenging living situations.

• Explore practical approaches for McKinney Vento Liaisons to effectively implement these strategies.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4pxYtK9ZSHi1cDEd341YSQ #/registration

03/18/2025

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility or necessary support. We have a team ready to help determine your case and ensure the rights of McKinney-Vento students in New York state are protected.

Unique, sometimes sad situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline exists to support district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in determination.

03/18/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

What if the new school district does not agree with the reason the student is living with her aunt? Can they investigate or deny UHY?

Answer:

The McKinney-Vento Act neither authorizes nor requires school districts to make judgments about the validity of why a student is not living with a parent or a legal guardian. Determinations of MV eligibility are based solely on the definition of an unaccompanied homeless youth.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/17/2025

UPCOMING MARCH WEBINAR: NYC SCHOOLS

March 20, 2025
9:30-11:00 am

Supporting Students in Temporary Housing: The Role of Transportation for Students Attending NYC Schools

The intent of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to remove barriers to enrollment and attendance in school to ensure academic success. This webinar is co-sponsored by the NYC Public Schools, Office of Students in Temporary Housing & Foster Care and the Office of Pupil Transportation. It will address the key provisions of transportation for students in temporary housing in New York City.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
• Describe the transportation provisions in the McKinney-Vento Act and the Chancellor’s Regulations.

• Identify the benefits of providing transportation to students experiencing homelessness.

• Explain the role of School-Based STH liaisons in supporting families with requesting transportation.

• Plan how to address challenges in providing transportation for McKinney-Vento eligible students.

• Access resources that support decision-making around transportation.

*This webinar is co-sponsored by the NYC Public Schools, Office of Students in Temporary Housing & Foster Care and the Office of Pupil Transportation. It will address the key provisions of transportation for students in temporary housing in New York City.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AuJje3BPRs6ibWlBulRtiQ?_ics=1738789528324&irclickid=~afb8a371UZ6bc9ZQOPX3UKLCBzCDCvnqvlpopfgfdb62VLBxvnkb&_gl=1*1kvefol*_gcl_au*MTE5MzQwNzY0NS4xNzM0MDEyMDk5*_ga*MjEzNTgyMTc1Ni4xNzM0MDEyMTA4*_ga_L8TBF28DDX*MTczODc4OTA1MC4yOS4xLjE3Mzg3ODk1MjkuMC4wLjA. #/registration

03/17/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

What can the new district do to ensure they have a guardianship document on file?

Answer:

The McKinney-Vento Act requires schools to enroll students experiencing homelessness immediately, even if the student is unable to provide documents that are typically required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, records of immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, or other documentation. 42 U.S.C. §11432(g)(3)(C). Guardianship papers are not required.

ESSA amended the McKinney-Vento Act to require school districts to “give priority to” the wishes of an unaccompanied youth. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(3)(B)(iv). Prior to ESSA, the law said to “consider” the wishes of the youth. The change is significant, as it clarifies that, for unaccompanied youth, the school must follow the youth’s placement wishes, limited only by the best-interest determination made by the school. If the school district makes a determination contrary to the youth’s wishes, the youth must be given the opportunity to appeal the decision. This applies when a youth wants to enroll in a school/district, and the parent wants the youth in a different school/district.

In this particular scenario, the aunt’s school district would need to enroll this student immediately, even if they are waiting on documents typical of an enrollment, such as an IEP. They would then follow up with the necessary documentation after the student has been enrolled. The district may also need to hold a CSE meeting once the student is enrolled. In addition, they should consider using the caregiver authorization form to identify the aunt as the current caregiver.

School districts may develop a Caregiver Authorization form that establishes the responsibilities of caregivers and requests caregivers’ contact information in place of traditional proof of guardianship for unaccompanied youth. This form is not required but it may be helpful to schools and students. Such forms should be carefully created to avoid barriers to a student’s full participation in school and should never lead to delays in enrollment because unaccompanied youth are entitled to immediate enrollment under the McKinney-Vento Act. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(3)(C).

If the student has a Surrogate Parent (likely the aunt in this case), then the Surrogate Parent's contact information will be on file as well.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/16/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

What is a “Surrogate Parent?”

Answer:

IDEA’s surrogate parent provisions for unaccompanied youth help protect these students’ rights and provide the school district with an appropriate adult with whom to communicate about evaluations and services.

The school district must appoint a person to serve as a “surrogate parent” for students who do not have someone to act as a parent on matters related to special education. 20 U.S.C. § 1415(b)(2)(A)(ii). Surrogate parents cannot be employees of the school district or any agency caring for the student (like the department of social service caseworkers). Surrogate parents cannot have a conflict of interest with the student and must have the knowledge and skills to represent the student. Please note that the definition of a parent in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is very broad and includes a foster parent or other individuals with whom the student lives. 20 U.S.C. § 1401(23). School districts must keep a list of available surrogate parents in the school district. N.Y.C.R.R. § 200.5(n)(1).

NAECHY put this together: Surrogate Parents and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to help school districts ensure that unaccompanied youth who are homeless and who have disabilities can access special education services.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/15/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

This student has an IEP. What does the new school need to do to ensure the student has access to all IEP services?

Answer:

For students in temporary housing and receiving special education services, the law says:

- Students with an IEP who are homeless have the same options as other students experiencing homelessness: the student can stay in their same school (also known as the school of origin) or can transfer to a local school (a school zoned for where the student is temporarily housed). 42 U.S.C. § 1414(d)(2)(c)(i). and-

- Students in temporary housing have the same right to special education services as permanently housed students in the school district. The McKinney-Vento Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) work together to make sure that students in temporary housing with disabilities have their needs met. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(5)(D); 20 U.S.C. § 1401(29).

In this case, the UHY may decide what district- School of Origin or School of Current Location– may provide services. If it is in the best interest of the student to maintain enrollment in the school of origin, then they would transport the student to services/programs and keep the IEP that they had developed. If it is in the best interest of the student to attend the current location school district, then they would convene a CSE meeting and provide services/programs in the IEP as close as possible and as soon as possible (within 60 days) as they prepare a new IEP. The school may determine the best way to provide services and if an alternative or BOCES program will best meet the needs of the student.

In the case of this student, they’ve decided to enroll in the district of current location as she is living with her aunt. The new district would enroll this student and convene a CSE meeting within 60 days. The student’s mom needs to be informed and invited to the meeting and the youth can choose to appoint someone as a surrogate parent.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/14/2025

SCHOLARSHIP ALERT

There is a wonderful opportunity for students in temporary housing to gain comprehensive support as they transition to postsecondary education- The SchoolHouse Connection's scholarship program!

Students are currently eligible to apply if:
- they were born on or after June 2nd, 2005, and
- plan to start college for the first time in 2026.

Applications will be accepted until June 2nd, 2025.

Please share this information with guidance counselors and high school students in temporary housing. You can also share it with other relevant school staff.

Thanks for spreading the word about this important opportunity for our students in temporary housing!

The NYS-TEACHS team

03/14/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

Does the parent continue to retain parental rights?

Answer:

Yes, parental rights remain in effect until the youth turns 18 years old. Parents can access educational records and otherwise be involved with the student’s education.

Please refer to this Guidance from the Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) at the U.S. Department of Education, “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Disclosure of Student Information Related to Emergencies and Disasters,” includes information that can help unaccompanied youth and their caregivers in accessing student educational records.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/13/2025

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

It is the role of the district’s McKinney-Vento Liaison to assist the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth if the district files a 310 dispute.

True or False?
TRUE

We have a lot of resources on disputes on our website, including a webinar that you can watch (or you can review the slide deck). Two very important aspects of the process to note are these:

- The liaison "shepherds" the family through the process.

- The family (or UHY) had 30 calendar days after receiving the district's decision letter to file an appeal.

https://www.nysteachs.org/navigating-the-dispute-resolution-process

03/13/2025

HUDSON REGION - TOMORROW Friday, March 14

Our Statewide BOCES Targeted Regional Training opportunities, round two, have started back!

Please refer to the BOCES Technical Assistance (TA) information, via this link, to determine your Region's scheduled days/times:

https://www.nysteachs.org/boces-ta-sessions

If you have any questions related to these meetings or training, please feel free to contact NYS TEACHS at [email protected] group, we will see you tomorrow!

If you have any questions related to these meetings or trainings, please feel free to contact NYS TEACHS at [email protected].

03/13/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

Is the district responsible for telling the mother where the student is residing?

Answer:

A child/youth's temporary housing address is protected under FERPA and should not be disclosed.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/12/2025

NEW MARCH WEBINAR

Supporting Students in Temporary Housing: Liaising Through a Social-Emotional Framework
Thursday, March 27
9:30-11:00 am

This session will utilize the CASEL framework, specifically the CASEL 5 components: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness, as the foundation for our discussion. Participants will gain specific, actionable strategies to support the social-emotional needs and growth of students, particularly those experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing.

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:
• Understand the concepts of Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making, Relationship Skills, and Social Awareness and the importance of each in the context of social-emotional learning.

• Identify strategies to promote these concepts among students in challenging living situations.

• Explore practical approaches for McKinney Vento Liaisons to effectively implement these strategies.

Register here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4pxYtK9ZSHi1cDEd341YSQ #/registration

03/12/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

If the mother wishes for the student to return home, and she has a place to stay, is the student still considered a UHY?

Answer:

Even if a student’s parent says that they may return home, the student could still be an unaccompanied homeless youth. Determinations of UHY and MV eligibility are based solely on the definition of an unaccompanied homeless youth. If the student is living with the aunt (or not with a parent/legal guardian), whether the parents invite the student home or not, she can be considered UHY and McKinney-Vento eligible.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

03/11/2025

Registration is now open for our upcoming Annual Conference in Buffalo, NY!
Innovate, Communicate, Collaborate: Supporting Students in Temporary Housing

May 1, 2025
8 AM - 1 PM

Embassy Suites Buffalo, 200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY

Please contact the Embassy Suites Buffalo at 716-842-1000 to reserve your room.

Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFUZrbERzbeVydpuseIYHdgeYIX72t4emUgUvIMVl5CFVmxg/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawHNX45leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWGDGI2HiK5iYHvjz74m7gDLdASNg6C6dr8W4H_TFGeDevdyqTw0wxAqhg_aem_uulbSyREE7TteImOAwEWGg

03/11/2025

Follow Along Series... 8 Questions, 8 days, 8 pm EST

Tale From the Field: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Many of our helpline calls are used to determine initial eligibility. Unique situations can make determining whether a student is eligible for McKinney-Vento designation difficult. The NYS TEACHS Helpline supports district liaisons in determining eligibility for students in unique circumstances and considers each situation on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Helpline at 800-388-2014 for assistance in eligibility determinations.

The Tale

A District Liaison called and described a scenario in which a 10th-grade student with a disability has left her mother's physical custody and is now staying with her aunt in another district. This student is considered an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth, and the aunt and student have expressed their desire to pursue enrollment in the district of her current location due to reduced travel time.

The District Liaison expressed concerns that the mother is demanding a meeting with the school district. She wants to know where the child is and wants her to stay in the area.

Question to Consider:

What makes the student an Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (UHY)?

Answer:

An unaccompanied youth is a student who is not in the physical custody of their parent or legal guardian; this includes young people who have run away from home, have been kicked out of their homes, or have been abandoned by their parents. There is no age limit for unaccompanied youth, but these students are most often in their teens.

Unaccompanied youth are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act when the student does not have a fixed, adequate, and regular nighttime residence. 42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2) When aware, school district McKinney-Vento liaisons must make an extra effort to help connect unaccompanied youth with the support and services they may need. 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)(A)(iv).

In this scenario, the student is not living in the custody of a parent or legal guardian, but with her aunt. While the aunt is a family member, she has no legal custody of the student. When a student lives with someone without legal custody, this can often be viewed as lacking “regular nighttime residence” as the student could be asked to leave at any time. For these reasons, the student is considered a UHY and MV-eligible.

For the full tale, click here:
https://www.nysteachs.org/post/tale-from-the-field-meeting-the-needs-of-unaccompanied-homeless-youth

NYS Technical and Educational Assistance Center for Homeless Students

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