Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine if, under the provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, there was a significant difference in the types and the level of services being provided, as rated by polling coordinators and PSAs (Pupil Services and Attendance Counselors) and the perception of the types and the level of services being received, in terms of frequency, as rated by parents of homeless students. Methodology. A descriptive research design was used for this research study. A questionnaire was used to survey two groups of participants, Pupil Service and Attendance Counselors and parents of homeless students. The Independent t-Test of Difference was used to determine if there was a significant difference in perceptions between the two groups. Findings. There was no significant difference in the types of services, funded through the Stewart B. McKinney Act, the providers reported offering and the types of services the recipients reported being offered. There was a significant difference between the levels of services, in terms of frequency, the providers reported and the level of services the recipients reported being offered. Conclusions. There are at least two elements that children need in their lives to be successful in school: (1) a stable home, (2) a stable school environment. Homelessness affects every aspect of a homeless child's life. Children who are homeless have a high rate of illness and are more likely to be exposed to communicable diseases. Parents reported that the schools do not frequently provide services for their homeless children.