Skip to Main Content

Divisions/Programs

    Select a Program

    Homeless Education Assistance


    Title I/Homeless Education Collaboration

    Homeless Education

    Homeless (McKinney-Vento) Education Assistance


    Homeless Education - Know Your Rights
    Know Your RightsPDF document link to Know Your Rights

     

    If I am homeless, where will my child go to school?

     

    As a homeless parent, you have the right to decide, along with your child’s school, whether it is in the best interest of your child to:

    Stay in the same school he or she attended before you became homeless (this is the “school of origin”); or transfer to the school that is closest to your new location.

    ​ To the extent that is feasible, the Local School System will enroll your child in either school.

    What is in the “best interest” of my child; to stay in the same school or change schools?

     

    The decision about your child'​s school enrollment will take into consideration factors such as:

    • Special needs for your child
    • Continuity of instruction
    • Likely length of stay in your new place of residence
    • Location
    • Time and distance to transport your child to and from school.

    If I am homeless, what documents do I need to enroll my child in school?

     

    • School Records
    • Birth Certificate
    • Immunizations

    But, if you do not have these documents, your child cannot be denied entry. The school must help obtain any documents needed for enrollment.

    ​

    Can my child ride the school bus?

     

    Your child's school will provide transportation for your child.

    You cannot be denied access to the school that is in the best interest of your child because of lack of transportation.

    “… the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program is to ensure that all homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, provided to other children and youth”
    -Stewart B. McKinney
    Homeless Assistance Act

    Does my child have the same rights as other school children?

     

    Your child has the same rights to school programs and services as all children, including:

    • School Breakfast & Lunch
    • Before/After School Programs
    • Preschool Programs
    • Transportation
    • Special Education
    • Gifted and Talented Programs
    • Career & Technology Education
    ​

    Who do I call if I have questions?

     

    Call your Local District's Homeless Education Coordinator:
    ​

    ALLEGANY (301) 759-2002​

    ANNE ARUNDEL (410) 518-9872

    BALTIMORE CITY (410) 396-8904

    BALTIMORE (410) 887-6485

    CALVERT (410) 535-7234

    CAROLINE (410) 479-3253

    CARROLL (410) 386-1838

    CECIL (410) 996-1050

    CHARLES (301) 934-7326

    DORCHESTER (410) 901-6940

    FREDERICK (301) 644-5290

    GARRETT (301) 334-8938

    HARFORD (410) 588-5283

    HOWARD (410) 313-7335

    KENT (410) 810-3170

    MONTGOMERY ( 301) 230-0686

    PRINCE GEORGE’S (301) 925-2482

    QUEEN ANNE’S (410) 758-2403

    SOMERSET (410) 651-6269

    ST. MARY’S (301) 475-5511

    TALBOT (410) 822-0330

    WASHINGTON (301) 766-2962

    WICOMICO (410) 677-4469

    WORCESTER (410) 635-5079


    Contact:


    Melissa M. Surgeon
    Education Program Specialist I
    Title I Program Improvement and Family Support
    Maryland State Department of Education
    200 W. Baltimore Street
    Baltimore, MD 21201-2595
    melissa.surgeon@maryland.gov
    410-767-0300 office
    410-333-8010 fax