Sec. 13a.05.09.05. School Enrollment

A. A school may not deny enrollment to a student solely because the student is living in a shelter, lacks a permanent residence, or is otherwise homeless.

B. The school selected in accordance with Regulation .04 of this chapter shall immediately enroll the homeless child or youth, even if the child or youth is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation.

C. When a school is notified that a child seeking to enroll is homeless, and the child does not have appropriate transfer or medical documentation, the receiving school shall:

(1) Immediately enroll the child; and

(2) If the child or youth needs to obtain immunizations, or immunization or medical records, immediately refer the parent or guardian of the child or youth to the local school system coordinator, who shall assist in obtaining necessary immunizations, or medical records.

D. The school may not bar enrollment of the homeless student until it has made a diligent effort to assist the parent in obtaining necessary immunizations or records of prior immunization.

E. If a homeless student has left a school without officially transferring and obtaining the student's educational records:

(1) The school where the student is seeking to enroll shall:

(a) Register the student,

(b) Immediately call the former school for transfer information and relevant academic and other records, and

(c) Provide appropriate special education and related services as soon as possible, if the student is a student with disabilities; and

(2) Upon request for information regarding the homeless student, the student's former school shall:

(a) Provide the information by telephone, and

(b) Forward records for the homeless student to the receiving school in a timely manner.