Homeless Education Program Policy

Students of homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian) residing in the District shall have equal access to the same free appropriate public education including comparable services, as provided to other students and youth who reside in the District. Homeless students and youth shall not be required to attend a separate school or program for homeless students and shall not be stigmatized by school personnel.

Definition of Homeless Students and Unaccompanied Youths

The term “homeless students and unaccompanied youths” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence due to economic hardship. It includes students and youths who are:

  • Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
  • Abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care.
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camp grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations.
  • Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings.
  • “Doubled up” living with friends or family due to the loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason.

Migratory students and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) may be considered homeless if they meet the above definition.

Homeless status is determined in cooperation with parents or in the case of unaccompanied youth, the local educational agency liaison. Homeless status may be documented through a

Brown County Schools does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental emotional or learning disability or handicap in its education programs or activities. Discrimination complaints shall be processed in accordance with established procedures.

Legal references:

  • Title IX, Education Amendment of 1972
  • Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • American with Disabilities Act of 2009
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
  • Civil Rights Act of 1991
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act