Resources for Parents & Students

If you have become homeless, notify your child's school principal immediately. If you are homeless in another district, enroll your child immediately and inform the school that you're homeless. Ask to see the homeless liaison.

By law, every New Jersey school district must have a local homeless liaison, who is responsible for assisting homeless students and their parents or guardians with such activities as:

• Enrolling in school and accessing school services;
• Obtaining immunizations or medical records;
• Informing parents, school personnel, and others of the rights of homeless children and youth;
• Working with school staff to make sure that homeless children and youth are immediately enrolled in school pending resolution of disputes that might arise over school enrollment or placement;
• Helping to coordinate transportation services for homeless children and youth; and
• Collaborating and coordinating with the State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and community and school personnel responsible for providing education and related support services to homeless children and Youth.

Click here for a list of school district contact information.

Resources for School Districts

• Homeless Children and Youth Count and Primary Nighttime Residence
• Federal program guidance on uses of funds, school district responsibilities, student enrollment and other requirements.
• Frequently asked questions about homeless education

Reimbursement of tuition funds for state responsible homeless students
Districts enrolling and serving homeless students from out of state or for whom a district of residence cannot be determined are eligible for reimbursement of costs incurred from the State Department of Education. Districts may apply for these funds when the student's status ends through the movement out of district or the establishment of a permanent residence; or at the end of each school year.

Legislation and Administrative Code
The educational rights of homeless students in New Jersey are governed by chapter 17 of the administrative code at N.J.A.C. 6A:17, Education for Homeless Children and Students in State Facilities and by federal regulations under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Discretionary Grant Program
The Department of Education has established a three-year competitive grant program for school districts which provide funding for supplemental instructional services and linkages to community-based organizations for homeless children and youth to meet state content and student performance standards. See the Grants web site for more information.