Each state is responsible for determining the number of migrant children residing within its boundaries. This can be a difficult task since the children who have the most need for services may not attend school. Furthermore, language and cultural barriers may make families hesitant to advocate for services on behalf of their children, particularly if they are not accustomed to looking for assistance from their child's school. Also, locations where migrant families reside may change due to changes in agriculture or in response to natural disasters affecting crop production. Therefore, it is important that states actively seek our migrant families and develop comprehensive recruitment plans that include both school-based and community-based activities.

Who Are Migrant Workers?

Migrant workers seek temporary or seasonal work in agriculture, fishing or related industries, including food processing. They follow the growing seasons across the country and are largely responsible for the cultivation and harvest of fruits, vegetables and many other food products.

Who Is Eligible?

A "migrant" child is defined as "a child who is, or whose parent, spouse, or guardian is" a migratory agricultural worker, including a migratory dairy worker or a migratory fisherman. The child must have moved in the preceding 36 months (3 years) across school district boundaries or from one state to another or accompany such parent, spouse, or guardian in order to obtain temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural, fishing or logging (except lumber mills) work as the principal means of livelihood. The child may be in any grade between preschool and 12^th grade and must not be older than 21.

For More Information

Contact:
Gail McGowan, Assistant Superintendent, ext. 28
Email: gmcgowan@bcoe.org

Lily Jurado, Sr. Secretary, ext. 20
Email: ljurado@bcoe.org

1670 Sierra Ave., Suite 502, Yuba City, CA  95993-9411
Phone: (530) 822-3270
Toll Free: 1-800-871-1171
Fax: (530) 671-5947