If it is not in the child’s best interest to stay in the same school after initial removal or a subsequent change in placement, a child in substitute care must be enrolled in a new school within two days of the removal or placement change.

The caseworker must:

  •  ensure that the child is enrolled in an appropriate TEA-accredited public school or receives education services in a home setting with academic programs to meet the child’s educational needs; and

  •  decide what school the child will attend that best meets the child’s educational needs and goals and that follows federal and state laws and requirements.

The caseworker may contact the school district foster care liaison and the regional education specialist to address barriers to immediate student enrollment, including, but not limited to:

  •  transportation issues;

  •  securing required documents;

  •  transfer of school records;

  •  immunizations; and

  •  designation of an education-decision-maker.