Resources for Newly Arrived Migrant Families

Navigating the New York City public school system can be quite complex for newcomers. The resources compiled by InsideSchools will help create a better understanding of this system.

To stay informed on the latest resources, follow the InsideSchools en Español channel on WhatsApp.

For families who have received a 60-day notice to leave your shelter:
Your child has the right to stay in their current school OR move to a school near your new housing placement.
More information about your rights: English / Spanish

Resources developed by InsideSchools

1. Watch an informative video on public schools of New York
2. Download the information in the video above here
3. Learn more about
   • Transportation(English) / Transportation(Spanish)
     (If you are translating this page, scroll down to view the translated version of the flyer)
   • Family Welcome Centers (English) / Family Welcome Centers(Spanish)
4. Browse the InsideSchools YouTube page for more videos
5. Join InsideSchools+ and connect with other families

Other resources

1. Questions to Ask About Your Child’s School (NYIC Education Collaborative) - English / Spanish / Russian / Arabic / Chinese / Bangla / French / Haitian Creole / Korean / Urdu
2. Family Welcome Centers - Back To School Hours and Locations 2023 (NYC Public Schools) - English / Spanish / Russian / Arabic / Chinese / Bangla / French / Haitian Creole / Korean / Urdu
3. Information about students in temporary housing (DoE)
4. NYC Schools and Head Start: What Immigrant and Undocumented Parents Need to Know - English / Spanish
5. NYC Child Care Resource (NYC Child Care Resource & Referral Consortium)
6. Include NYC
   • Helpline: Monday - Thursday, 9AM - 4PM; Call 212-677-4668 or send a WhatsApp message to 6466933175
7. Advocates for Children
   • Helpline: Monday - Thursday, 10AM - 4PM; Call 866-427-6033
8. Growing Up NYC - Immigrant family services

Questions?

Ask us by completing this form, email us at contact@insideschools.org, or send a WhatsApp message to
929-332-4467

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Transportation Guide for Families in Temporary Housing

School Busing

Contact the STH Family Assistant or Regional Manager, if you are currently staying at a shelter:
For students in grades K-6 and students with IEPs in 7th & 8th grade (if student doesn’t already have busing on their IEP).

Students with busing on their IEPs:
Provided to all students with specialized transportation listed on their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) regardless of their housing status.

Fill out request form on NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) for students in:
- Temporary shared housing:
- For students K-6, if an appropriate route is available
- After moving into permanent housing:
- For the rest of the school year, if an appropriate route is available
- 3-K and Pre-K:
- If an appropriate route is available
- Usually only if the child has an older sibling who goes to school in the same building

Metro Cards

Student MetroCards
- The school will provide a free, full-fare MetroCard to students not receiving busing.
- Until the school gives the student a MetroCard, MetroCards are available from the STH Family Assistant or STH Regional Manager.

The clipped corner should be on the upper right when you are swiping the MetroCard on the subway or inserting the MetroCard on the bus.

Parent MetroCards
- Free, monthly MetroCards are available to parents of students in temporary housing (3K-12th grade) from their children’s school to accompany their children to school, including summer school.
- Parents do not need to show proof of being in temporary housing or how they will use the MetroCard.