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West Islip Union Free School District

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Information for Displaced Families

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students in temporary housing. If you are a West Islip family that requires further assistance, please the Mc-Kinney-Vento Liaison, Jeanne Dowling at (631) 930-1545.

The McKinney-Vento Act covers children and youth who don't have a fixed, adequate and regular nighttime residence, Such as those living:

  • in an emergency or transitional shelter;
  • with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship;
  • in a motel, hotel or campground;
  • in a car, bus or train station or other public place;
  • in an abandoned building or some other inadequate accommodations; or
  • in temporary situations while awaiting foster care placement.

They can choose from:

  • the school they went to when permanently housed (known as the school of origin);
  • the last school they went to (also known as the school of origin); or
  • the school located in the attendance area where they are temporarily living (known as the local school).

Students in temporary housing have the right to:

  • immediately enroll in school and attend classes;
  • get free transportation to the school to the local school if transportation is provided to others students;
  • get special education services immediately if the student has a current IEP (even if the IEP itself is not available or if it is from another district);
  • and get free meals without filling out an application.

Students in Foster Care

ESSA includes amendments to Title I, Part A designed to complement and enhance the school stability provisions for children in foster care, ensuring that:

  1. A child or youth in foster care is enrolled or remains in his/her school of origin, unless a determination is made that it is not in his/her best interest.
  2. When a determination is made that it is not in a child’s best interest to remain in the school of origin, the child will be immediately enrolled in a new school even if the child is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment.
  3. The enrolling school will immediately contact the school last attended by a youth in foster care to obtain relevant academic and other records.
  4.  A student in foster care who enrolls in the District will receive transportation to the school of origin, if appropriate, in a timely manner. 

 

The District will work with (LDSS) to maintain the child in his/her school of origin when in his/her best interest for the duration of the time in foster care.

If there are additional costs incurred in providing transportation to the school of origin, the District will work with the local department of social services for the purpose of reimbursement of costs.

 

The District’s Foster Care Point of Contact is:
Mrs. Jeanne Dowling
631-930-1545