Ready for back to school?

"We serve a lot of families enrolling in school in Baltimore for the first time. We recently saw a single mom and her two children who immigrated from Honduras. After their first visit, the whole family connected with care. The youngest is up-to-date on vaccines and Community Health Workers helped mom get both kids enrolled in school. Being able to go to school is so important. It's a source of mental health care, a place to get meals, an active routine, a space to make friends and find a community."

Director of Pediatric and Family Medicine, Iris Leviner, MD

Navigating the back-to-school season can be hard enough on its own, let alone during a public health crisis—or without stable housing. Baltimore City and County schools open their doors on August 29; below, Iris and the rest of her team have shared resources to support teachers, parents/guardians and their little ones.

Know your rights

Regardless of your housing situation, your child has a right to:

• School Breakfast & Lunch
• Before/After School Programs
• Preschool Programs
• Transportation
• Special Education
• Gifted and Talented Programs
• Career & Technology Education

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures these rights and provides services to children experiencing housing instability or homelessness.

• Learn more about the McKinney-Vento Act and you child's rights here. 
• If you have questions or concerns, contact your local Homeless Education Coordinator/Liaison. 

Services and resources at Health Care for the Homeless:

We can help with:
(Providers speak both English and Spanish)

• Getting your child up-to-date on the required vaccinations 
  • Flu vaccines will be available in early September
  • COVID-19 vaccines are available to all children ages 6 months and up (as well as their parents, guardians, and caregivers)
• Completing physical exams that are sometimes required by schools
  • School physical exams are offered by appointment
• Preparing your family with COVID-19 safety for in-person school
• Providing referrals to specialty medical care
• Sharing education on child health like on nutrition, exercise, emotional health and wellness and learning concerns

Resources to share:

• Health Care for the Homeless clinic info (English and Spanish)
• Information on how to Get Care Now
• Additional COVID-19 resources   

​Does your family or someone you know need to connect with care?

• Contact us 
• Call 410-837-5533

Local and statewide resources:

• Child Find Services
  Special education service provided by every county for identifying children from ages three through twenty-one who are suspected of having an educational disability and who may be eligible for special education and related services.
  • Baltimore City Referrals:
    • For children ages 3 to 21: call 443-984-1011.
    • For children younger than 3: call the Infants and Toddlers Program at 410-396-1666.
  • Baltimore County referrals, call: 443-809-3017
• Maryland Family Network
  Resources for parents and guardians of children ages 1-5 years-old including:​
  • Services for Spanish speakers
  • Tips for choosing child care
  • Find child care
  • Find care for children with special needs 
  • Family support groups
  • More resources
• Mayors Office of Children and Family Success
  Youth engagement program in Baltimore City that provides access to rent and utility assistance, food access and more

Want to support care for children and families?

Donate here