Supports for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Every Student Succeeds Act

The Every Student Succeeds Act emphasizes the educational stability of vulnerable students, including students experiencing homelessness. Schools and districts must provide services comparable to services offered to students who are not experiencing homelessness in accordance with this act and other provisions of the law. This includes:

• Transportation services,
•  Educational services for which the child or youth meets the eligibility criteria, such as services provided under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) or similar state or local programs;
  • Educational programs for children with disabilities, and
  • Educational programs for English learners,
• Programs in career and technical education,
• Programs for gifted and talented students, and
• School nutrition programs.

Whole Child and Academic Supports

Experiencing homelessness can affect both a student’s education and their well-being outside of the classroom. Supporting the whole student, both academically and non-academically, provides stability and opportunities to succeed. The following Department web pages can assist schools and districts with supporting students experiencing homelessness:​

• Supporting Students with Disabilities Experiencing Homelessness provides strategies to ensure that students experiencing homelessness have the educational supports they need to succeed in school.
• Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness in High School emphasizes supports that can help students experiencing homelessness achieve graduation and success beyond high school. 
• Homeless Education Liaison: Role and Responsibilities outlines the homeless education liaison’s role in supporting students experiencing homelessness. 
• Transportation Supports for Students Experiencing Homelessness offers an overview of the responsibilities and considerations for transporting students to academic services and activities.  

Related Resources 

Ohio Resources

• ​Career-Technical Education 
• Child Nutrition Programs
• Coalition for Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) 
• English Learner Programs  
• Gifted Education
• Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

National Resources

• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
• National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
• SchoolHouse Connection

Last Modified: 5/28/2025 11:57:25 AM

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