§  Presume keeping the child in the last school permanently housed is in the best interest of the child/youth except when contrary to the request of the parent, guardian or youth.

§  Consider student centered factors, including but not limited to impact of mobility on achievement, education, the health and safety of child or youth giving priority to the child/youth’s request.  The DOE encourages consideration of school placement for siblings as well when making the determination. 

§  UNDER EXISITING FEDERAL LAW, A STUDENT WHO IS HOMELESS IS ENTITLED TO CONTINUE ENROLLMENT IN THE SCHOOL OR ORIGIN FOR THE DURATION OF HOMELESS AND THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THE SCHOOL YEAR THE STUDENT BECOMES PERMANENTLY HOUSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STUDENT’S BEST INTEREST.
 If the LEA determines that it is not in the child/youth’s best interest they will follow the dispute process. 

o   Feeder schools are defined to include preschool whose students are entitled to attend a specific elementary school or group of elementary schools where such a school exists.  (Happiness House, Keuka School) Q}Y\�5�UUa&�

o   With respect to charter and pre-kindergarten programs.  The LEA must provide services to each homeless child and youth that are comparable to services offered to other students in the LEA including preschool programs, other educational programs, programs for students who are ELL, SIFE, IDEA, career and tech.  There are guidelines for programs that have ceilings and lotteries as well.