A child is considered "migratory" if his/her parent or guardian is a migratory worker in the agricultural, dairy, lumber, or fishing industries and the family has moved during the past three years. A "qualifying" move can range from moving across school district boundaries to moving from one state to another for the purpose of finding temporary or seasonal employment. A young adult may also qualify if he/she has moved on his/her own for the same reasons. The eligibility period is three years from the date of the last move. Eligibility is established through an interview conducted by a Migrant Education recruiter who visits both home and employment locations where migrant workers are employed. The law states that migrant education services are a priority for those students whose education has been interrupted during the current school year and who are failing, or are most at risk of failing to meet state academic and performance standards.

Questions regarding migrant student eligibility should be directed to:

Mrs. Lori Ramella, State Coordinator
New Jersey Department of Education
Office of Supplemental Educational Programs
Telephone: (609) 376-3807
migranted@doe.nj.gov