If your family is new to the NYC shelter system, here is a reminder of some important information about

YOUR CHILD’S RIGHT TO SUMMER SCHOOL

(Article published in HWW May 2009)

by Frank Assaf, New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students (NYS-TEACHS)

Under the law, children living in shelters must get the services they need to do well in school. Summer programs give students the chance to pass to the next grade when they are at risk of being held back in school.

How do I know if my child has to go to summer school?

If your child needs to go to summer school, you will be told at least 14 days before the end of the school year. If you do not know if your child has to go to summer school to pass to the next grade, you or the Family Assistant (also called the on-site liaison or Department of Education Worker), should contact your child’s school to find out.

Do I have to pay for my child to attend summer school?

No. Summer school is free.

Who can help with my child’s summer school enrollment?

The Family Assistant or the Students in Temporary Housing (STH) Content Expert can help. During the regular school year, Family Assistants help make sure students in shelters are enrolled in and get transportation to school. In the summer, there may not be a Family Assistant in your shelter. If there is no Family Assistant in your shelter this summer, or if you cannot talk to the Family Assistant, you should contact the STH Content Expert in the borough where you live. (Please see below for contact information.)

Can my child get transportation to summer school?

Yes. Children in grades K-6 can get busing if its available and older students can get a free MetroCard. To check to see if busing is available for your child, call (718) 392-8855. If busing isn’t available, your child should get a free MetroCard and if you need to go with your child on the subway or public bus, you can get a free MetroCard too. For help with transportation, talk to the Family Assistant at the shelter or call the STH Content Expert in the borough where you live. (Please see below for contact information.)

If my child does not have to attend summer school, are there any other summer programs he or she may go to?

The city’s Department of Youth and Community Development lists free summer day camps in almost every neighbhorhood in NYC. To find one for your child, call (800) 246-4646 and tell them where you live and what you need. Also flyers with information on summer programs should be put up in shelters at the beginning of June. Please contact your Family Assistant or the STH Content Expert in the borough where you live for more information.

Helpful Contact Information

If you continue to face problems with your child’s enrollment or transportation, please contact Susana Vilardell, STH Senior Program Manager, at (212) 374-2530 or Nicole Fenice, STH Program Coordinator, at (212) 374-0860.

OR

Contact the New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students (NYS-TEACHS) at (800) 388-2014.