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Enhancing Educational Outcomes for Foster Youth
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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Foster Parent Training Guide created in collaboration with the Washoe County Human Services Agency. As a foster parent, your role extends beyond providing a safe and loving home; it involves nurturing the educational growth of the children in your care. This guide is designed to equip you with the understanding and tools needed to effectively support the educational needs of foster youth, addressing common barriers, roles and responsibilities, and offering practical strategies for success.

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Section 1 
Understanding and Overcoming Educational Barriers in Foster Care
 

Introduction   

As a foster parent, you play a critical role in the educational development of the children in your care. Understanding the common barriers that foster youth face in their education is the first step in helping them overcome these challenges and succeed academically. This section of the training manual will guide you through these barriers and offer strategies to mitigate their impact.

​

Common Educational Barriers for Foster Youth

  1. Trauma in Their Family

    • Students can experience lasting effects of traumatic experiences prior to coming into care. This can also include challenges with the case plan and within the child's biological family while on the path to reunification. Family visitation can be difficult and emotional for foster youth, and can impact their relationships in their foster homes and at school.

    • Support Strategies:

      • Establish a consistent, safe, and nurturing environment.

      • Encourage expression through art, play, or conversation.

      • Collaborate with mental health professionals for trauma-informed care.

  2. Disruption in Placements

    • Foster youth experience disruption in their placements for a variety of reasons, that result in them moving foster homes and result in a loss in consistency in their daily routines and can affect their relationships with adults.

    • Support Strategies:

      • Provide stability and consistency in your home.

      • Maintain routines to help the child feel secure.

      • Facilitate smooth transitions by working closely with social workers and educators.

  3. Lack of Positive Parental & Educational Models

    • Due to the youth’s past experiences in their home life, many have not been exposed to positive adult role models and relationships and have not developed a foundation of trust and positive acknowledgement from adults.

    • In addition, adults in their lives may not have valued education and therefore did not provide the support and encouragement for their kids to attend and/or succeed in school. This can result in a lack of motivation and engagement in school.

    • Support Strategies:

      • Model positive behaviors such as reading and discussing various topics.

      • Discuss the importance of education and its role in future success.

      • Encourage goal-setting and celebrate achievements.

      • Expose them to various educational and career paths.

      • Introduce them to positive educational role models, such as tutors or mentors.

  4. Lack of Training of School Personnel

    • Many educators and school staff have not bee trained to understand the unique needs of foster children and have little training in Trama Informed Care. This can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective support for foster children's educational needs.

    • Support Strategies:

      • Advocate for your foster child at school.

      • Educate teachers and staff about the child's background and needs.

      • Be an active participant in the child's educational journey.

  5. Changes in Schools

    • Foster youth often experience frequent school changes, leading to disruptions in their educational continuity. These changes can create academic and behavioral gaps, with an average loss of six months of education per school change.

    • There are federal and state protections for foster youth that allow them to remain in their current School of Origin, which maintains educational stability and is a significant part of their overall well-being.

    • Support Strategies:

      • Work with the child's caseworker to minimize school changes.

      • Provide extra academic support during transitions.

      • Communicate with new teachers about the child’s academic history and needs.

 

Conclusion

By understanding these common educational barriers, you as a foster parent can be better prepared to address them. It's important to foster an environment of stability, support, and encouragement to help these children thrive academically. Remember, your role is not just to provide a home but to also advocate for and support the child's educational journey.

 

Section 2
Academic Support for Foster Youth
 

Introduction

Providing academic support is a vital aspect of fostering. This section will guide you on how to establish a conducive learning environment in your home and maintain effective communication with educational institutions. These strategies aim to help your foster child develop not just academically, but also into responsible, curious, and independent learners.

 

Creating a Supportive, Effective Learning Environment

  1. Structured Homework Time

    • Consistent homework time helps foster discipline and a routine.

    • Designate a specific time each day for homework with no distractions from electronics or TV.

  2. Dedicated Study Area

    • A set place for studying helps children focus and signals it’s time to concentrate.

    • Ensure this area is quiet, well-lit, and equipped with necessary supplies like stationery, textbooks, and reference materials.

  3. Access to Technology

    • As children progress in school, computer access becomes increasingly important for research and homework.

    • If a computer is needed, please reach out to the school first, then explore available resources with your social worker or through community programs.

 

Communication with Key School Personnel

  1. Building Relationships with School Staff

    • Regularly communicate with teachers, counselors, and case managers. This includes discussing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for children who require them. This practice helps you stay informed about the child’s progress and any concerns that may arise.

  2. Maintaining Contact Regarding Student Progress  

    • Keep in touch with key school personnel about the child's academic and behavioral development. This enables you to address any issues promptly and collaboratively.

  3. Notifying School of Changes

    • It is VERY IMPORTANT to inform the school of any significant changes in the child’s life, such as if they are sick, have been incarcerated, are a runaway and especially if they are refusing to attend school. 

      • These are all coded differently in the student’s attendance record and very important that it’s accurate.

      • Even short 1-2 day visits to Jan Evans, hospital or facility for evaluation, should be communicated to the school so they can code correctly and also provide additional support to the youth.

      • Refusal to attend school will be coded to CT (Confirmed Truant) so that the student is held accountable for their refusal. This supports foster parents who are struggling to get their kids to engage and may result in the student being cited for truancy with potential involvement with Juvenile Services.

 

Fostering Curiosity and Learning Skills

  1. Encouraging Curiosity

    • Due to many foster youth not having had role models in their lives who value and support education, many of them lack the foundation that provides the basic skills that most of us grew up with.

    • Providing a structured supportive and motivating environment as mentioned previously will essentially help your student learn how to become a STUDENT – and is just as important as teaching them to read or learn math.  

    • Motivate them to ask questions, research unknown topics, and engage in learning activities.

  2. Teaching Essential Learning Skills

    • Organizational skills, following through tasks from beginning to end, following directions, being pro-active, turning in assignments, using the planner or schedule, being interested in grades, following rules and expectations - all are important to helping them learn how to become a student. 

    • Fostering these skills can help create a love for learning and also develops critical thinking skills.

 

Conclusion

By implementing these strategies, you will not only support your foster child's academic success but also contribute to their overall development as confident and self-sufficient individuals. Remember, your involvement and support can make a significant difference in their educational journey.

 

Section 3
Foster Parent Oversight and Accountability in Education
 

Introduction

As a foster parent, your active involvement in overseeing and holding the foster child accountable for their education is crucial. This section focuses on how you can effectively monitor their academic progress, understand the resources available, and create an accountable environment that fosters learning and responsibility.

 

Actively Engaging with School Resources

  1. Using Infinite Campus (IC)

    • Infinite Campus (IC) is a tool that allows you to track the child’s assignments, grades, and overall school progress.

      • Learn to log into and navigate IC. School staff can assist you if needed.

      • Regularly review the child’s assignments and grades.

      • Discuss missing assignments with the child and celebrate their good grades to encourage them.

    • All students have been issued an IC login and should be encouraged to keep track of their own progress. This helps them engage in their own education.

      • Teach the child to use IC themselves to empower them to take ownership of their education and fosters independence.

 

Fostering Accountability in Education

  1. Monitoring Schoolwork

    • Keep a regular check on what assignments are due and when, through accessing Infinite Campus and communicating with teachers.

    • This helps in ensuring the child stays on track with their schoolwork and deadlines.

  2. Limiting Distractions

    • Ensure that all electronics not needed for learning are turned off during study times.

    • This minimizes distractions and helps the child to focus on their studies.

 

Understanding and Utilizing Additional Supports

  1. Accessing Tutoring Services

    • One-on-one tutoring can be arranged in your home. Check with your social worker for available resources.

    • Personalized tutoring can address specific academic challenges and reinforce learning.

    • Tutors also serve as mentors and provide support on many levels, from academics to organization and study skills.

  2. Navigating the MTSS Process

    • Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a framework used in schools to provide targeted support and interventions for students.

    • This system is used to push in additional interventions when traditional approaches are not effective.

    • Familiarize yourself with the MTSS process to better understand and support the child’s learning needs.

  3. Involvement in 504/IEP Processes

    • Be actively involved in the development and monitoring of any 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) the child may have.

    • Ensure you have copies of these plans and understand them to advocate effectively for the child’s needs. They can be complex at times, so please reach out to the student’s case manager or counselor for an explanation of services/interventions/accommodations being provided.

    • Attend all IEP or other school meetings so you are familiar with the schools’ efforts and can continue to support the youth at home.

 

Special Considerations for Larger homes and Group Homes

  1. Creating a Conducive Learning Environment

    • Do what works best for your home, to create the best learning environment possible.

    •  As mentioned previously, implement structured homework times, ensuring every child engages in learning activities for at least half an hour.

    • Schedules may vary due to appointments or other commitments, but maintain a regular learning routine.

  2. Setting and Modeling Expectations

    • Clearly communicate that learning is a priority and an enjoyable part of life. Show enthusiasm for learning and set an example for the youth. So “set the expectation” and “model the expectation.”

  3. Encouraging Peer Support

    • Facilitate opportunities for older youth to support and mentor younger ones in subjects they are proficient in.

 

Conclusion

Effective oversight and accountability are key to fostering a child’s academic success. By actively engaging with educational tools, fostering a disciplined, consistent and study environment, understanding additional support systems, and modeling positive learning behaviors, you can significantly impact the educational journey of your foster child.

​

Section 4
Navigating Educational Transitions for Foster Youth
 

Introduction

Transitions between educational stages are pivotal moments in a child's academic journey. For foster youth, these transitions can be especially challenging due to their unique circumstances. This section provides guidance on supporting foster children through these critical phases, from elementary school to post-secondary pathways.

 

Understanding the Importance of Educational Transitions

  • Start the conversation early

  • Education is a foundational step towards adulthood, equipping children with skills and knowledge for future vocations and real-life situations.

  • School is not just about academic learning; it's about learning how to learn, developing habits, and adapting to different social and educational environments.

  • Developing good habits while attending school helps youth learn how to interact with challenging instructors, colleagues, employers and adults in general.

 

Transition from Elementary School (ES) to Middle School (MS)

  • Anticipating Changes:

    • Prepare the child for managing different subjects, classes and adapting to various teaching styles.

    • Be aware that grades are issued quarterly and keep abreast of your youth’s educational status by checking Infinite Campus and communicating with instructors.

    • Be aware of class fees, PE uniforms, and costs associated with extracurricular activities like sports can incur significant costs. Utilize available school resources or seek assistance from the youth’s worker to cover these expenses.

    • Where applicable, teach the youth how to use lockers and manage their belongings effectively.

    • Discuss coping strategies for interacting with a larger and more diverse peer group, as this can create some new social challenges.

  • Encouraging Extracurricular Participation:

    • Motivate the youth to explore their interests through clubs, sports, school activities, outside extracurricular activities, fostering social skills and personal growth. This also increases engagement in their school and in their community.

 

Transition from Middle School (MS) to High School (HS)

  • Encourage participation in summer programs or school tours to familiarize with the high school environment.

  • Assist the child in comprehending high school credit requirements for both core and elective subjects.

  • Maintain communication with school counselors and case managers for guidance and support, particularly in addressing any academic and/or social issues.

  • Emphasize the importance of regular attendance and the impact of unexcused absences on grades. More detail is provided in Section 2.

 

Transitioning Out of High School & Into Post-Secondary or Vocational Opportunities

  • Future Planning:

    • For youth not on a reunification or adoption path, explore options under programs like AB350 for continued support through the Independent Living (IL) team.

  • IL Worker Assistance:

    • An IL worker, assigned by age 17.5, will aid in navigating post-high school options.

  • Exploring Options:

    • Investigate various paths, including college, vocational training, or a combination of both.

  • J4NG Program in some WCSD High Schools:

    • Some high schools offer the J4NG program that includes an elective class as young as the sophomore year. This course provides support in soft skills like resume building, interviewing, applying for college, among several other resources that prepare youth for life after high school.

  • College and Career Guidance:

    • Utilize the services of a College & Career Coach through Boosted Diplomas for assistance in transitioning to higher education or vocational training. This referral flows through your worker and/or Educational Advocates (EAs) where applicable.

 

Conclusion

Each educational transition is an opportunity for growth and development. As a foster parent, your support and guidance during these transitions can significantly influence a foster child's confidence and success. By preparing them for the changes, engaging with educational resources, and planning for the future, you can help pave the way for their academic and personal achievements.

 

Section 5
Understanding the importance of school of origin for foster youth
 

Introduction 

The concept of "School of Origin" plays a vital role in the educational stability of foster youth. This section explores the importance of maintaining a foster child’s enrollment in their original school and the legal frameworks that support this principle.

 

The Significance of School of Origin

  1. Stability in a Foster Child’s Life

    • For many foster youth, the school they attend upon entering care, or the school they may have moved to while in care (their School of Origin) is many times, the most consistent, stable environment in their world. Therefore, there are federal and state laws protecting their right to remain enrolled in their School of Origin through the end of the school year in which their case closes.

    • Continuity in the same school provides a sense of normalcy and consistency, crucial for their emotional and academic well-being.

  2. Educational Continuity

    • Research indicates that foster youth lose an average of six months of educational progress with each school change.

    • Frequent school changes can lead to significant academic setbacks and emotional distress.

 

Legal Frameworks and Procedures

  1. State and National Laws

    • Washoe County Human Services is legally required to make every effort to keep foster youth in their School of Origin when it’s in their best interest.

    • This legal mandate acknowledges the critical importance of educational stability in the life of a foster child.​​

  2. Process for Changing Schools

    • If it is determined that changing schools outside their School of Origin is in the best interest of a child, such a decision must be approved by WCHSA leadership.

    • The process is coordinated through the child’s social worker, the WCSD Foster Liaison and the WCHSA Educational Liaison, ensuring that all factors are considered before making a change. The child’s dependency attorney is also looped into these discussions.

  3. Applicability of Laws

    • These laws apply regardless of the foster youth’s placement situation, including those placed in potentially adoptive homes or in the process of reunifying with biological parents.

    • The goal is to minimize disruptions and uphold educational stability throughout the child’s journey in the foster care system, up to case closure.

 

Conclusion

The School of Origin is more than just an educational institution for foster youth; it's a cornerstone of their stability and development. As a foster parent, understanding the significance of this concept and the legal frameworks that support it is crucial. By advocating for the child’s educational stability and working within these legal parameters, you play a vital role in supporting their academic and emotional well-being.

​

Section 6
Washoe County Human Services Agency Services & Support
 

Introduction

Understanding and utilizing the resources offered by the Washoe County Human Services Agency (WCHSA) can significantly enhance the educational experience of foster youth. This section outlines various services provided through the Washoe County School District (WCSD) and other support mechanisms available to foster families.

 

WCSD Services for Foster Youth

  1. Free Lunch Program

    • All foster youth automatically qualify for free lunch, ensuring they receive nutritious meals at school.

    • This program alleviates financial burden and ensures consistent nutrition during the school day.

  2. Coverage of Certain Fees

    • While standard registration fees are generally covered by families, certain extenuating fees like lab fees, uniforms, sports program fees & equipment, AP testing, among others may be covered through specific WCSD grant funds.

    • Funding through the WCSD Family Resource Centers is provided to newly reunified families to assist with various living costs. These funds are available up to case closure and referrals flow through your child’s worker to the WCSD Foster Liaison.

    • Contact your social worker to inquire about these funds and eligibility.

  3. Transportation Services

    • Transportation to schools outside the local zone can be coordinated through your worker.

    • Regular transportation within the school zone is handled by the schools themselves.

 

Addressing Transportation Challenges

  1. Special Education Transportation

    • If transportation is a part of the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), they will be eligible for specialized transportation, but are not guaranteed a route as these protections were originally set up through the the school that originally implemented or updated their IEP. 

  2. Navigating Bus Driver Shortages

    • In case of route unavailability due to driver shortages, explore other options such as before and after school programs, or a location through a family member, family friend or place of work.

    • Many programs, including those from Boys & Girls Clubs, offer transportation to and from certain schools in close proximity at no charge to foster families if the youth is enrolled at their facility.

    • Boyss & Girls Clubs and childcare facilities offer a subsidy through the Children’s Cabinet, but both parents must be working to qualify, unless there are special considerations that may help them qualify.

    • In some cases, there may be a WCSD bus available to transport youth to or from a Boys & Girls Club or other childcare facility if the facility does not offer transportation. Your child’s worker will help facilitate this.

  3. Route Checks from Various Locations

    • As mentioned above, WCSD can assist in checking transportation routes from different locations, including a foster parent's workplace, relative’s homes, family friend’s home or daycare centers.

  4. Mileage Reimbursement

    • If all possible locations have been explored to provide bussing and there are no options available, foster parents providing transportation are eligible for mileage reimbursement.

    • No detailed mileage tracking is required as WCSD tracks mileage and will provide reimbursement for a maximum of one round trip, at the federal mileage reimbursement rate, for a maximum of $10/day, $50/wk or $200/mo.

    • Payments are made monthly for the previous month of transport and the contract is set up through the WCSD Foster Liaison. Reach out to your worker for help setting up the contract.

 

Special Education and 504 Accommodations

  1. Initial Consultation with School

    • Before requesting an IEP or 504 Plan, it’s very important to meet with the school to understand the current supports in place for the student.

    • Please be aware that If the student has missed a significant amount of schooling, they must attend for at least 45 consecutive days for a proper assessment of their needs.

    • 504 supports are normally accommodations made for kids with medical impairments, but can also be used in some circumstances, based on the student’s needs. 504s are implemented separately from IEPs and if a student already has an IEP, these accommodations will be included in their IEP plan.

  2. MTSS System

    • Find out if the student is already receiving support under the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process, which provides tiered interventions. This is the standard foundation that schools follow to implement interventions that may support kids’ needs. If all interventions are ineffective, implementing an IEP is the next natural step.

  3. Advocating for Additional Support

    • PLEASE do not hesitate to ask your social worker for assistance in navigating the process of securing special education services or accommodations.

 

Conclusion

The resources provided by WCSD and WCHSA are invaluable in supporting the educational journey of foster youth. As a foster parent, familiarizing yourself with these services and advocating for their utilization can greatly enhance the educational experience and overall well-being of the child in your care.

 

Section 7
Understanding the MTSS Process in Schools
 

Introduction

The Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is a comprehensive framework used in schools to provide targeted interventions for students struggling academically or behaviorally. As a foster parent, understanding the MTSS process can help you advocate effectively for the educational needs of your foster child.

 

The Structure of MTSS

  1. Tier 1: Universal Instruction

    • This is the standard instruction all students receive in the regular classroom.

    • If a student struggles, the issue is identified, and an MTSS meeting is scheduled to discuss potential interventions.

  2. Tier 2: Targeted Interventions

    • Designed for students who need more support than what is provided in Tier 1.

    • These may include extra practice in skills like reading fluency or math, accommodations such as extended time for assessments, and participation in small social groups.

    • Regular meetings review the student’s progress. It’s important to be proactive in scheduling these reviews and ensuring interventions are documented.

  3. Tier 3: Intensive Interventions

    • This tier is for students who continue to struggle despite interventions in Tier 2.

    • At this stage, a student may be considered for a Section 504 Plan or evaluated for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

 

Understanding 504 Plans and IEPs

  1. 504 Plan

    • Part of the Americans with Disabilities Act, providing accommodations to level the playing field for students. It does not involve specialized instruction.

    • Examples include more time for assignments, class breaks, preferential seating, modified textbooks and/or hearing/visual assistance.

  2. IEP

    • Provides specialized instruction and resources tailored to the student’s specific needs.

    • Ensure that the IEP is individualized; request necessary accommodations or resources as needed.

 

Advocacy and Rights

  • Active Participation: Foster parents should actively participate in MTSS meetings, advocating for the child's needs. ALWAYS make sure your worker is included in all meetings with the school.

  • Understanding Rights: Familiarize yourself with educational rights and procedural safeguards provided to students and parents.

  • Documentation: Keep copies of all documents related to the child’s educational interventions, including MTSS and IEP/504 plans.

 

Conclusion

The MTSS process plays a critical role in identifying and addressing the educational needs of students, especially those in foster care. By understanding and engaging in this process, you can ensure that your foster child receives the appropriate support and interventions to succeed academically.

 

Section 8
Boosted Diplomas: Empowering foster & Educationally at-risk youth
 

Program Overview

  • Organization: Boosted Diplomas is a pivotal non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the educational needs of foster and educationally at-risk youth in Nevada. With a comprehensive range of services from tutoring to educational advocacy, Boosted Diplomas plays a crucial role in the academic success of many students.

  • Geographic Reach: Currently (as of 4/24) serving over eighty students in Reno and Sparks, the organization aims to expand throughout Washoe County, Rural Nevada, and eventually Southern Nevada.

 

Core Services of Boosted Diplomas

  1. Weekly Tutoring

    • To provide personalized academic assistance to students.

    • Students are paired with college students or recent graduates who are not only academically proficient but also experienced in catering to diverse learning styles.

    • Tutoring sessions are primarily in person and can range from 1-3 hours per week based on the student’s needs.

  2. Educational Advocacy

    • EAs act as the main educational point of contact for each student, deeply involving themselves in every educational aspect of the student’s life. This includes participating in meetings, court hearings, and liaising with school staff.

    • The goal is to remove educational barriers and coordinate necessary services, ensuring a unified approach to the student’s education.

    • EA service have historically been provided to high school foster youth, but is currently expanding to middle school students as well!

  3. College and Career Advocacy

    • High school juniors and seniors, and recent graduates.

    • College and Career Coaches (CCCs) assist students in exploring post-secondary options, guiding them through applications, financial support, and transition into higher education or vocational training.

    • Collaboration with local resources and businesses to provide supportive professional environments for students pursuing vocational paths.

  4. Peer Navigator

    • The PN provides services on the back end for students who need additional support but at times not full EA intervention. The peer navigator works alongside a tutor to monitor and assist with academic and attendance issues. They provide info to the tutor on homework assignments due and areas needing improvement.

    • The peer navigator ensures that no assignments or critical learning material is overlooked, maintaining the student’s academic progress.

 

Key Programs

  1. Achievements Unlocked (AU)

    • This program caters to middle school and high school students, providing a blend of tutoring and EA services. CCD services are provided to juniors and seniors in high school.

    • The primary goal is to unlock the full potential of each student, ensuring their academic success and readiness for future educational or career paths.

  2. General Tutoring Support

    • Available for students from the 1st grade through their first year of college.

    • The purpose is to build a strong foundation in course material and foster academic confidence.

 

Conclusion

Boosted Diplomas represents a vital resource in the educational landscape of Washoe County, offering tailored support to foster and at-risk youth. As foster parents, understanding and utilizing the services provided by Boosted Diplomas can significantly enhance the educational journey of the children in your care.

Foster Parent Training Guide

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