Site of the Homeless Summer Enrichment Program
                                                                                                                           


Tamera Saunders, Homeless Liaison
Knoxville, TN  Phone (865) 594-3648 Phone (865) 755-6248

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Knox County Schools ensures homeless students have equal access to the same free appropriate public education as provided to other students.  The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Improvement Act, last updated by Congress on July 27, 2007, gives children and youth in homeless situations the right to go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there.  Homeless students also have access to transportation services to and from their schools of origin or zoned schools.

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Knox County Schools provides a full-time Homeless Liaison to work with and assist homeless children and their families.  The Liaison provides ongoing sustainability in the program by ensuring that homeless children are immediately enrolled in school and receive the appropriate services and resources for which they are eligible.  They are provided with school supplies and transportation to their schools of origin to help maintain stability in their educational services.

Knox County Schools offers various services throughout the year for the homeless population. Tutoring services are provided at two shelters enabling children to complete homework assignments and improve their knowledge and comprehension.  A four week summer enrichment program is provided for K-6 grade students.  The students have the opportunity to participate in art, music and dance activities, as well as, many scheduled field trips.  Parenting classes are provided which helps empower parents to become better advocates for their children.  These classes are designed to teach parents how to work with their children in order to improve their academic performance.