Can I enroll my child in school if I do not yet have permanent housing?

In Calgary, every child has the right to education, even if their family is temporarily homeless. The Alberta education system and local school boards provide support to children with unstable housing, adhering to the principles of accessibility and equal opportunity. Below is a detailed guide explaining how to enroll your child in school under these circumstances.

Legal framework: what does the law say?

  • Alberta Education Act: Guarantees the right to education for all children, regardless of their housing status.
  • CBE (Calgary Board of Education) policy: Allows registration without a permanent address, provided that alternative documents are provided.
  • Support for homeless children: Schools work with social services to ensure continuity of education.

Steps for registering without a permanent address

1. Contact the school or Welcome Centre

  • CBE Welcome Centre:
    • Assists families in crisis situations, including temporary living in cars, shelters, or shared housing.
  • Contact: 403-817-7789, CBE website.
  • School administration: Explain the situation – the school is required to provide access to education.

2. Provide alternative documents

Instead of standard proof of address, the following are accepted:

  • Shared Housing Application Form: To be completed with the school if the family is temporarily living with relatives or friends.
  • Certificate from a shelter or social services: For example, confirmation from the Calgary Drop-In Center or Inn from the Cold.
  • Letter from an organization providing temporary shelter.

3. Exercise your right to stability

  • Continuity of education: If a child changes schools due to relocation, they can remain at their previous school until the family settles. Transportation is provided by the parents.
  • Transportation assistance: In some cases, the school or social services may partially reimburse transportation costs.

Resources for families without permanent housing

1. Social programs

  • Alberta Supports: Free advice on housing, income, and employment. Phone: 1-877-644-9992.
  • Centre for Newcomers: Assistance for immigrants in crisis situations, including temporary shelter.

2. Educational services

  • LEAD Program: For refugee children – psychological support, interpreters, liaison with schools.
  • Free study spaces: Libraries and community centers offer access to the internet and textbooks.

3. Legal assistance

  • Student Legal Assistance (University of Calgary): Advice on children's rights to education.
  • Calgary Legal Guidance: Free services for low-income families.

Important details

  • Food: Schools with free breakfast/lunch (e.g., Breakfast Club of Canada).
  • Learning materials: Textbooks and computers are provided free of charge.
  • Language support: ESL courses for children with limited English.

Success stories

  • Family in a shelter: A child was enrolled in Brentwood Elementary with the help of a referral from Inn from the Cold.
  • Shared housing: Parents filled out a Shared Housing Form, and the child was given a place in school at their temporary address.

**Conclusion

Lack of permanent housing is not a barrier to education in Calgary. Key actions: contact the school or Welcome Centre, provide alternative documents, and take advantage of social programs. Schools and community organizations work to ensure that every child has a stable education, regardless of their living conditions. Don't hesitate to demand your rights — education in Canada is inclusive and accessible to all.