NC Education Code · Regulation
Title 16 — root / Chapter 06 — 16 NCAC 06H .0114
Plain English summary
This regulation defines key terms used in the NC dispute resolution process for homeless students, including definitions for 'homeless student,' 'unaccompanied youth,' 'LEA,' 'local liaison,' 'State Coordinator,' and related appeal processes. It establishes the vocabulary framework governing how complaints by parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth regarding homeless students are handled at both the local and state levels. The definitions reference federal statutory standards under 42 U.S.C. Chapter 119 for alignment purposes.
Key requirements
- 'Homeless,' 'homeless child,' and 'homeless student' shall mean the same as the term 'homeless children and youths' as defined by 42 U.S.C. 11434a(2). These terms shall also be deemed to include the term 'unaccompanied youth.'
- 'Unaccompanied youth' shall mean the same as defined by 42 U.S.C. 11434a(6).
- 'Local educational agency' (LEA) includes local school administrative units, charter schools, laboratory schools, regional schools, Innovative School District schools, and Innovation Zone schools.
- 'LEA dispute resolution process' shall refer to the LEA's policy on resolving complaints brought by parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth regarding students experiencing homelessness. The term shall refer to appeals processes within the LEA, prior to any appeal by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth appeals to the State Coordinator.
- 'Local liaison' shall refer to the official at each LEA, who ensures the LEA dispute resolution process for homeless children and youth is mediated in accordance with local, State, and federal policy as required by 42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(6)(A)(vii).
- 'School business day' means days when students are scheduled to be in attendance at school, according to the academic calendar adopted by the LEA.
- 'State Coordinator' shall refer to the Department of Public Instruction staff person who carries out federally mandated duties regarding students experiencing homelessness as required by 42 U.S.C. 11432(d)(3).
- 'State appeal process' shall refer to the policies the State Coordinator, LEAs, parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth must follow when a parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth seeks to appeal a dispute to the State Coordinator.
Affected parties
- homeless students and youth
- unaccompanied youth
- parents and guardians of homeless students
- local educational agencies (LEAs)
- charter schools
- laboratory schools
- regional schools
- Innovative School District schools
- Innovation Zone schools
- local liaisons
- NC Department of Public Instruction State Coordinator