Local Education Agency (LEA) Foster Care Point of Contact (POC)
LEAs receiving Title I funds in PA are required to identify and establish a local-level Foster Care Point of Contact (POC). This includes public school districts and charter schools.
The LEA POC is the first line of contact for the placing CCYA to notify the LEA of a new or change in foster care placement. A sample list of roles and responsibilities of the LEA POC can be found here.
LEA POC Primary Responsibilities
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To maintain an understanding of the Title I, Part A provisions for foster care youth under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). |
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To serve as the primary education link between LEAs and the placing county children and youth agency (CCYA). |
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To maintain routine coordination with CCYAs they work with frequently to effectively implement the Title I provisions in order to best serve foster youth enrolled in their schools. |
The LEA POC is a Critical School Link
The LEA POC is anticipated to play an important role regarding educational placement best interest determinations (BIDs), coordination of transportation when needed, and enrollment and records transfers. The LEA POC should be well-supported in their role and will likely need to work regularly with a network of other colleagues both within and outside the LEA to accomplish the requirements of ESSA.
Educational placement BIDs will require the LEA POC to gather meaningful input from relevant parties connected to the child’s education. This network may include feedback from teachers, counselors, coaches, IEP Team, English Language Coordinator(s), and school administrators.
The CCYA should gather meaningful input from relevant parties connected to the child’s welfare including the preferences of the child and child’s parent(s) or education decision maker(s).
Enrollment and records transfers may require the LEA POC to work with school administrators, enrollment and records offices, or guidance departments.
Fulfilling transportation requirements may require coordination with transportation departments including transportation directors and coordinators.
Given the emphasis of dual-agency collaboration in order to best serve foster youth, LEAs will always be working with the placing CCYA regarding educational placement BIDs, transportation coordination, and enrollment and records transfers.
