Answer: The McKinney-Vento Act requires LEAs to review and revise policies that act as barriers to the identification, enrollment, and retention of homeless children and youth, including barriers caused by absences. 42 USC §11432(g)(1)(I). Therefore, if students miss school due to their homelessness, it should not count toward the 15 days. The key really is to intervene immediately, when the student is absent just for one or two days, to find out why and to provide support and mentorship. In addition, if informing the parents of an unaccompanied youth would create a barrier to retention or re-enrollment, the school should not inform the parent.
Our state has a “15-day drop rule” stating a student is withdrawn if the student has not been going to school for 15 consecutive days. Do we have to inform parents of unaccompanied homeless youth of this drop?
Jan 21, 2022 | Q and A