The Tennessee Department of Education held its McKinney-Vento Quarterly Call on November 1, 2024, focusing on the challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness and the enrollment process for their children. The meeting highlighted a role-play scenario that illustrated the difficulties a mother faced while trying to enroll her son, Pedro, in school without the necessary documentation.

During the scenario, the mother expressed her struggle to provide proof of residency and other required documents, such as a birth certificate and immunization records. The staff member assisting her explained the need for specific Tennessee forms and documentation to verify residency, which the mother could not provide due to her living situation. This led to a discussion about the barriers that families in similar situations encounter when trying to enroll their children in school.

Participants in the call emphasized the importance of recognizing signs of homelessness, such as living arrangements where families are "doubled up" with others. They discussed the need for front desk staff to be trained to ask sensitive questions about living situations in a respectful manner, which could help identify families eligible for McKinney-Vento services. The conversation also touched on the necessity of prioritizing enrollment for these families, even if they lack complete documentation.

Several attendees shared their experiences and strategies for improving the enrollment process. One participant noted that their district focuses on enrolling students quickly, allowing for the collection of necessary documents afterward. This approach aims to ensure that children have a safe place in school as soon as possible.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the ongoing efforts by various districts to support families in need, including home visits and direct communication with families to facilitate the enrollment process. Overall, the call served as a platform for sharing best practices and addressing the systemic barriers that hinder access to education for homeless students in Tennessee.