Willamette ESD Human Resources

To qualify for the program a migrant child must have moved within the past three years across state or school district lines with a migrant parent, guardian, or spouse, or a member of the child’s immediate family to obtain temporary or seasonal employment in an agricultural or fishing activity. The child may be in any grade between preschool and grade 12, and between 3-21 years of age, and has not received a high school diploma or GED. A “migrant child” remains eligible for three years after his or her family’s last qualifying arrival date.

Why give special help to Migrant Children?

Most school programs (including those supported by Title I, Part C) are set up on a nine-month academic year. However, when migrant children move with their families, their education and lives are interrupted, often many times a year. They may come from large families with inadequate living space and low incomes. Poor nutrition, housing, and sanitary conditions may cause a high incidence of health problems. They may have limited English skills and/or little experience with success at school. These problems, combined with irregular attendance, often lead to overall frustration and low academic performance, causing many children to drop out in their early teens. Because they have little knowledge of, and preparation for other kinds of jobs, these migrant youths usually face a high risk of unemployment or become part of the migrant labor force.

However, these children can be helped to enjoy school and overcome these difficulties through the Migrant Education Program. They can achieve a quality education and develop their skills and options for the future. In addition, they can develop self confidence, learn to feel good about themselves, and contribute to the well being of the community in which they live.