Christine Trovato, facilitator of special education for the Carbon Career and Technical Institute, shared last week how CCTI is helping students identified as homeless or unaccompanied.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001 was enacted to make sure homeless youth have access to appropriate education while removing barriers that homeless and unaccompanied youth face.

The act requires school districts to assign a homeless liaison/point of contact who serves to provide trainings to staff, identify and report students deemed homeless, coordinate supports and services for students, to aid in removing the barriers to learning, school enrollment, education, nutrition, transportation, and participation in extracurricular activities.

The act defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

The act also includes provisions for students determined as unaccompanied youth.

The law also defines unaccompanied youth as homeless youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. This includes youth who have run away from home; been abandoned or forced out of home by a parent, guardian or other caretaker; or separated from a parent or guardian for any other reason.

“As CCTI’s Homeless Liaison, I check in often with students, staff, parents, supporting district representatives, to ensure that accommodations, transportation, free lunch, school supplies, uniform/clothing needs, mental health and medical resources are provided. Staff training is provided annually,” Trovato explained.

CCTI offers support and interventions for students, including after school help, integrated tutoring, IEP meetings, Google Classroom access, positive behavior support plans, attendance improvement meetings, transition meetings, career cruising, instructional aides in the technical programs and academic classes (as determined needed), co-taught classes, counselor & mental health specialist support, homebound instruction, parent/student conferences and meetings, transition meetings, and professional development and trainings for staff pertaining to supporting students.

Teachers have received accommodation documents for students in their classes with IEPs and 504 Service plans.

“For students who receive related services, consultative services are provided to teachers to better understand students’ needs. strategies, and analyze student data. Professional recognition, highlights staff contributions and celebrates their achievements. By supporting our faculty and instructional staff, we strengthen the foundation for student success,” Trovato added.