Back to School Tips for Students in Out-of-Home Care

School’s back in session and the transition can be tough for students in out-of-home care, caregivers and others that support them. To make the transition easier, here are a few helpful tips from the Division of Child Welfare’s Education Specialists.

Communicate.

Protecting our students in foster care’s privacy while letting important school staff know what may be impacting them is a delicate balance. Find folks your student trusts at school and keep them updated. Don’t know where to start? Find your student’s school district’s Child Welfare Education Liaison (CWEL).

Thinking of making a school change?

Wait. Students in foster care have the right to remain in their school of origin. Before enrollment changes, work with your student’s team to ensure that a Best Interest Determination (BID) meeting is held to discuss if a change is in the student’s best interest.

Make sure your student’s needs are being met.

Students in foster care are eligible to have school fees waived, receive free and reduced lunch, and receive transportation support if they stay in their school of origin.

Ensure that their IEP/504 needs are being met and any re-evaluations are done on time.

Let kids be kids.

Engaging students in the activities that give them joy is a great way to encourage school engagement overall. Whenever possible, students in foster care should be able to participate in school and after school activities like any other student.

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