According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act:
“The Education of Homeless Children and Youth program is to ensure that all homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including preschool education, provided to other children and youth.”
Dearborn Public Schools ensures that all students are provided with seamless educational services regardless of their current housing situation.
Who are considered Homeless Students?
Students eligible for support are those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and include:
- those living on the street, in a car, in an abandon building, etc.
- those living in shelters and transitional housing programs
- those living in campgrounds, motels and hotels
- those who are doubled up with family and friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- those recently placed in a foster home (within the past six months)
- those who have run away or otherwise are not accompanied by a legal parent or guardian
What Rights Do Homeless Students Have?
- Free and appropriate public education
- Services comparable to those offered to non-homeless children and youth
- Choice to remain in their school of origin or transfer to a school in their current attendance area
- Immediate enrollment in school despite the lack of permanent address or the lack of school records
- Access to educationally related support services funded by district Title I funds
- Transportation to school and to school programs
- Advocacy from a school district liaison to ensure that rights are upheld
Whom Should You Contact If You Believe A Student is Homeless?
Dearborn Public Schools has a Homeless Liaison assigned to each of its schools. You can either contact the school where the students are currently enrolled or call Student Services.
Student Services
18700 Audette Street
Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: 313-827-3005