Education for Homeless Children Assurances

1. The local educational agency (LEA) shall reserve Title I, Part A funds as are necessary to provide comparable services to homeless children and youths that assist them to effectively take advantage of educational opportunities as provided to children in schools funded under Title I, Part A. These comparable services shall be provided to homeless children and youths in public schools, shelters and other locations where children may live, institutions for neglected children and, where appropriate, local institutions such as local community day school programs. (20 United States Code (USC) §6313; Public Law (PL) 114-95, §1113(c)(3)(A))
2. This reservation requirement is not formula driven. The method of determination of such funds shall be determined;
   1. Based on the total allocation received by the LEA; and
   2. Prior to any allowable expenditure or transfers by the LEA. (20 USC §6313; PL 114-95, §1113(c)(3)(B))
3. LEAs will demonstrate coordination with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. (20 USC §6312; PL 114-95, §1112(a)(1)(B))
4. Each LEA plan shall describe the services the LEA will provide homeless children and youths, including services provided with funds reserved to support the enrollment, attendance, and success of homeless children and youths. (20 USC §6312; PL 114-95, §1112(b)(6))
5. LEAs will adopt policies and practices to ensure that homeless children and youths are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless. (42 USC §11432; PL 114-95, §722(g)(1)(J)(i))
6. LEAs will designate an appropriate staff person, able to carry out the duties described in 42 USC §11432(g)(6), and as an LEA liaison for homeless children and youths, will fulfill their required duties and ensure equal access to a free, appropriate public education for homeless children and youths. (42 USC §11432; PL 114-95, §722(g)(1)(J)(ii))
7. LEAs will adopt policies and practices to ensure that transportation is provided, at the request of the parent or guardian (or in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the liaison), to and from the school of origin, in accordance with the following, as applicable:
   1. If the child or youth continues to live in the area served by the LEA in which the school of origin is located, the child's or youth's transportation to and from the school of origin shall be provided or arranged by the LEA in which the school of origin is located, or
   2. If the child's or youth's living arrangements in the area served by the LEA of origin terminate and the child or youth, though continuing the child's or youth's education in the school of origin, begins living in an area served by another LEA, the LEA of origin and the LEA in which the child or youth is living shall agree upon a method to apportion the responsibility and costs for providing the child or youth with transportation to and from the school of origin. If the LEAs are unable to agree upon such method, the responsibility and costs for transportation shall be shared equally. (42 USC §11432; PL 114-95, §722(g)(1)(J)(iii))
8. LEAs will adopt policies and practices to ensure participation by LEA liaisons in professional development and other technical assistance activities, as determined appropriate by the State Coordinator. (42 USC §11432; PL 114-95, §722(g)(1)(J)(iv))

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