Alfred Quarles, Homeless Coordinator

Phone: 215.400.6045
Fax: 215.400.4174

Some of the main objectives of the Homeless Children’s Initiative are to inform the School District of Philadelphia of its responsibilities to homeless children and youth, to increase awareness about the needs of homeless children, to reveal and overcome possible educational barriers, to explain current legislation and policies, and to provide practical advice to those working with homeless children.

Afterschool & Summer Enrichment Programs

HCI After School Enrichment Programs provide a variety of academic, cultural and social activities to homeless students who attend schools near the facility where they reside. The programs consist of classes and activities that reinforce the District’s Core curriculum as well as tutoring and homework support. These programs build the student’s awareness, participation in and the enjoyment of the arts, music, drama and dance. These programs also emphasize social skills that focus on developing self-esteem, confidence and respect, including recreational components to promote these skills.

Classes include but are not limited to; instruction in basic math and reading skills, health, nutrition and fitness, social studies and science activities with some laboratory demonstrations, creative and performing arts, crafts, outdoor sports, life experiences and field trips.

The Summer Enrichment Programs include all the above activities but may also include special projects like; science fairs, community projects, gardening, camping, fishing, boating and special opportunities to attend selected events.

HCI currently funds 16 after school programs and 18 summer enrichment programs

Admission/Transfer Policy

The McKinney–Vento Homeless Act, now a part of the Improving America’s Schools Act, (Public Law 103-382), and the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth. BEC 42 U.S.C. &11301 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining fiscal responsibility. Federal and state laws make our responsibility clear. With over 9,000 homeless children currently attending Philadelphia public schools, we must provide appropriate academic support and services. Please familiarize yourself and your staff, including counselors, teachers, secretaries, NTA’S and others with the following school admission and transfer procedures.

• A child whose family becomes homeless may remain in the school he/she was attending prior to becoming homeless.
• If it is feasible, a student may transfer to a school if it is closer to the shelter.
• The receiving school may not prevent or delay the enrollment of a homeless child by requiring proof of residency. The school may seek written confirmation of shelter residency from the shelter director, but may not refuse a child admission pending such confirmation.
• Homeless children living more than one mile from the school should be given free Septa tokens (see Token Procedure for Homeless Students).
• The school can contact the Department of Health to obtain oral confirmation of immunizations. This confirmation can be accepted as verification for enrolling a student *(BEC 42 USC & 11303). Written confirmation should be requested and received within 30 days.

Token Procedures

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to assuring educational continuity for all children who do not have fixed, permanent homes. We provide tokens to students who live in shelters, motels, hotels, cars and other non-permanent housing situation. Students are eligible for tokens when the student is continuing in the school they attended before becoming homeless, if the school is more than one mile from the current resident.

PROCEDURES

• The Shelter/Transitional housing provider must give the student and/or parent a verification of residence letter requesting tokens.
• The student and/or parent is to take the letter to the school counselor who will assist the student in obtaining tokens.
• For grades 1-12, tokens for homeless students are to be requested on the “Request For Transportation Form” (Add/Delete - TO38). The code (reason) for all homeless students is “L.” Forward the “Transportation Form” to The Department of Transportation, at 440 N. Broad.
  
• This form must be completed and forwarded to Transportation within 48 hours. Schools will be responsible for providing tokens if this form is not submitted within the specified time.
• The shelter/transitional housing providers are to notify the school counselor when the student moves from the facility. If the student moves between or among shelters or transitional housing and the location is still a mile or more from school, tokens are to be continued throughout the school year.

Uniform Assistance

The School District of Philadelphia now requires all students to wear uniforms to school. In implementing this policy, each school should be sensitive to the challenges faced by homeless students and families. No child’s education should be interrupted due to lack of proper clothing.

We have communicated with shelter providers regarding strategies for providing homeless students with uniforms. Schools can work to ensure that homeless families are able to obtain uniforms for their children in the following ways:

• Schools may send a letter to the parents/guardians of all students requesting that they contact the school for assistance in obtaining uniforms.
• Regions and schools may solicit corporate sponsors for uniforms. Many stores or companies offer significant discounts for buying large volume.
• Schools may establish a system to trade in outgrown uniforms, which can then be donated or sold at a low cost to other students.
• Schools may contact the Office of Specialized Services to request assistance for the purchase of uniforms. Please note that these funds are limited and therefore are subject to availability.

• Homeless Initiative forms, documents and other related information.