Why give special help to Migrant Children?
Most school programs (including those supported by Title 1) are set upon nine- month academic year. However, when migrant children move with their families, their education, as well as their lives, are interrupted. 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 often have limited English skills and/or little experience with success at school. These problems combined with irregular attendance often lead to frustration and low-academic performance, causing many children to drop out of school in their early teens. Because migrant youth have limited knowledge of, and preparation for, other kinds of jobs, they face a high risk of unemployment or become part of the migrant labor force. With help from the Migrant Education Program, migrant children can develop their self-confidence and begin to feel good about themselves. They can begin to enjoy school, attain a
