Resources for School Division Staff
Our curated resources for school division staff will help you in your work to identify and support students experiencing homelessness.
Confirming Eligibility for McKinney-Vento Services
This resource outlines how to sensitively and discreetly request information from families on their situation, which practices to avoid, and how to respond to questions that arise while verifying eligibility for McKinney-Vento services. An eligibility flowchart is also included.
Best Practices for Supports & Services to Students Who Experience Homelessness
This resource from the Virginia Department of Education outlines guidance and best practices to school boards for providing necessary supports and services to students facing homelessness including: decisions regarding whether and when such a student should remain enrolled in a school in a previous school division of residence; wrap-around supports and services for such students that include the parents when they are available and specific wrap-around supports and services for such students who may have experienced additional trauma prior to becoming homeless; and any other means by which such students can be best served and protected, particularly those homeless children and youths who are at risk of becoming victims of human trafficking.
Trauma-Informed Homeless Services
This series of briefs from the Family and Children’s Trust Fund (FACT) of Virginia explores trauma and trauma-informed care. Each addition in this series will discuss the ways in which trauma may be experienced at different points in the lifespan, how trauma may impact the individual, what some possible social, emotional or physical impacts may be, and some promising interventions and resources (FACT, 2014).
Let’s Talk: Runaway Prevention Curriculum
This resource is a free, evidence-based, interactive, 14-module curriculum intended to educate young people about alternatives to running away as well as how to build life skills so that youth can resolve problems without resorting to running away or unsafe behavior (National Runaway Safeline, 2024).
School Help for Homeless Children with Disabilities
This resource outlines questions and answers about the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and how it applies to children experiencing homelessness.
Resources for Supporting Special Populations
Supporting students experiencing homelessness with an understanding of their individual experiences and the unique barriers they face is critical to your work. Follow the links below to resources for supporting special populations.
