Department of Education (DOE)

The NYC Department of Education (DOE) manages the city’s public school system. They can support you and your child’s education by providing support with transportation, attendance, and physical and mental health.

Where can I go for help?

Your Child’s School 

​There is a team of staff that supports students living in temporary housing. Ask to talk to your school’s STH Community Coordinator, STH Bridging the Gap Social Worker, or STH School-Based Liaison (see below) to learn about who can provide support for your child’s education and school transportation.

Your Shelter

A family assistant can answer questions about your child’s education and school transportation. If your shelter does not have a DOE family assistant, reach out to your school’s regional manager (see below) or your case manager for any questions regarding your child’s education.

A Family Welcome Center 

Family Welcome Centers (FWC) can assist you in getting your child enrolled in a new school, adding your child to a waitlist, and answering any questions about admissions.

Your NYC Schools Account (NYCSA) 

NYCSA is an online portal where parents and guardians can find information about their child’s grades, class schedule, school transportation, and other important DOE notifications. You will need an Account Creation Code from the school to sign up. View the DOE’s NYCSA web page for more information.

Which staff can help me?

Family Assistants

Family assistants work in shelters and help temporarily housed families understand their educational rights. They can help your child enroll in a school closer to shelter. If your child needs transportation between school and shelter, family assistants can provide MetroCards or arrange a yellow bus. 

Your School District’s Regional Manager

Regional managers are DOE staff who support families living in temporary housing. They can help your child with school enrollment, getting immunizations and school records, and organizing transportation to and from school. To find your school district’s regional manager, go to the DOE’s Students in Temporary Housing web page and click Connect with a Regional Manager. If you do not know your school district, use the DOE’s Find My School tool. 

STH Bridging the Gap Social Workers 

STH Bridging the Gap Social Workers offer mental health and wellness support to students affected by homelessness in schools. They have a clinical focus and offer trauma-informed counseling. If your school doesn’t have an STH Bridging the Gap Social worker, there may be other types of social workers that can support your child’s social and emotional well-being. 

STH Community Coordinators

STH Community Coordinators work in schools and can help your family build a network of support. They can connect you to other resources within the school or refer you to programs in the community. They can also help with school placement and transportation. 

STH School-Based Liaisons

Every DOE school has a designated STH School-Based Liaison that can help answer questions about students in temporary housing. They do not focus primarily on students in temporary housing, but can provide support if the other roles on this page are not available. If your school does not have an STH School-Based Liaison, reach out to your school’s regional manager.

What services do they offer?

Click an entry to learn more.