All LEAs should consider the use of the Title I, Part A Homeless Set-Aside to assist students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. The established set-aside can fund activities that will allow full participation in school activities (e.g accommodations for students during distance learning periods, transportation assistance to central locations providing services such as meals, and items necessary for proper hygiene). Appropriate uses of Title I, Part A funds to provide items or services for students experiencing homelessness include, but are not limited to: · Items of clothing, particularly if necessary to meet a school's dress or uniform requirement; · Clothing and shoes necessary to participate in physical education classes; · Student fees that are necessary to participate in the general education program; · Personal school supplies such as backpacks and notebooks; · Birth certificates necessary to enroll in school; · Immunizations; · Food; · Medical and dental services; · Eyeglasses and hearing aids; · Counseling services to address anxiety related to homelessness that is impeding learning; · Outreach services to students living in shelters, motels, and other temporary residences; · Extended learning time (before and after school, Saturday classes, summer school) to compensate for lack of quiet time for homework in shelters or other overcrowded living conditions; · Tutoring services, especially in shelters or other locations where homeless students live; · Parental involvement specifically oriented to reaching out to parents of homeless students; · Fees for AP and IB testing; · Fees for college entrance exams such as SAT or ACT; and · GED testing for school-age students. LEAs that receive EHCY grant funds should assess the needs of students experiencing homelessness and provide assistance based on the allowability of the EHCY grant. In these times of uncertainty, LEAs receiving the EHCY grant may want to shift their focus to funding activities that provide extraordinary or emergency services needed to enable homeless children and youths to attend school and participate fully in school activities (42 USC 11433(d)). LEAs should also be cognizant of the continuation of identification during this time. Funds may be used to attract, engage, and retain homeless children and youths, particularly children and youth experiencing homelessness who are not enrolled in school, in public school programs and services provided to other children and youth (42 USC 11433(d)). Allowable activities, materials and services should be described in an approved plan (e.g. application, CLIP, etc.) to be allocable. Additional resources to assist districts with responding to the needs of students experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis are accessible on the following websites: · US Department of Education – Click here · SchoolHouse Connection – Click here · US Interagency Council on Homelessness – Click here |