Migrant Education

Overview

Migrant Education is a federal program (Title I, Part C) that provides funds to local education agencies and public schools to support the unique educational and health needs of Washington’s migrant students. The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a set of education-related services for children of migrant families working in Washington State.

Educational Needs of Migrant Students

Migrant student suffer the wrenching effects of dislocation and immersion of new surroundings. Their education is constantly disrupted at critical stages, and schools standards and curriculum do not match well across state lines.

Many migrant students are Hispanic, first and second generation Mexican-Americans. Native Americans can also be identified as Migrant Students. Eligible students are children from 0 to 21 who have moved on their own or with their parents within the past three years to seek or obtain temporary or seasonal work as a principle means of livelihood in activities related to: Agriculture, Packing/Warehouse, forestry, Dairy, Poultry, Commercial Fishing, Beef, Shellfish.

Additionally, the cumulative effects of poverty, economic pressures, and continuing exposure to health hazards affect migrant students. Many of our migrant children do not have any Health Care Insurance.

Goals

The goal of the Migrant Education Program is to ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma (or complete a GED) that prepares them for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment.

Services provided by the Migrant Education Program

• Supplemental academic programs to assist in the achievement of state academic standards
• Instructional training
• Health programs
• Preschool programs (readiness, transitioning to elementary education)
• Family home visiting/ and academic counseling services
• Parental involvement
• Migrant student data and collection
• Student leadership opportunities
• Summer schools programs when possible 
• Secondary credit accrual and exchange