Homelessness and Foster Care

HOMELESS STUDENTS

Students Experiencing Homelessness

Homeless students are eligible for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youth Program is to ensure that all children and youth, including preschoolers, have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education as non-homeless children and youth. Homeless students also have the right to enroll in school immediately - even if lacking documents normally required. Homeless students can enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled). Homeless students can receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested. Mike Masloski is the liaison for the homeless at Ridgewood Local Schools. He can be contacted at 740-545-6354 or 330-340-8660. For addition information on federal rights for homeless school-age youth and eligibility requirements Click Here.

In the 2019-2020 school year, Ohio had 23,885 students experiencing homelessness. For additional information on homeless students please visit the Ohio Department of Education website.

STUDENTS IN FOSTER CARE

Foster Care - Every Student Succeeds Act

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) emphasizes the educational stability of vulnerable students, including those in foster care. Children in foster care face many educational barriers, including high mobility, increased incidences of trauma, and mental, behavioral and physical health conditions. ESSA required guidelines and resources to ensure improved educational outcomes for children in foster care. These educational provisions took effect on Dec. 10, 2016. For additional information on foster care students please the Ohio Department of Education website.