Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 200 - Board of Education
Chapter 20 - Council on Elementary and Secondary Education
Subchapter 30 - Student Supports
Part 5 - State Regulations Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Section 200-RICR-20-30-5.5 - Elimination of Enrollment Barriers

A. Records. A school that a district selects through a best interest determination must immediately enroll the Homeless Student, even if the Student is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment (such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation), as per the McKinney Vento Act, 42 U.S.C. § 11432g(3)(E). The enrolling school must immediately contact the school last attended by the child or youth to obtain relevant academic or other records. Any record ordinarily kept by a school regarding each Homeless Child or Youth must be maintained so that it is available in a timely fashion when the child enters a new school or school district.

B. Immunizations and Medical Records. If a Homeless Child or Youth needs to obtain immunizations, or immunization or medical records, the enrolling school must immediately refer the parent or guardian to the district's local homeless liaison, who must assist in obtaining the immunizations or records.

C. Legal guardianship issues impacting on school enrollment, which cannot be resolved at the district level, as well as any other unresolved issue relating to school enrollment, shall be referred to the commissioner for decision pursuant to the authority granted by R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-64-6.

D. Review and Revision. The Rhode Island Department of Education, in conjunction with local school districts and entities fulfilling the role of local school districts, will develop, review and revise policies to remove barriers to the enrollment and retention of Homeless Children and Youth in school.