Educational Decisions and School Enrollment
In Wisconsin, children are entitled to a free public education. You may enroll a child who is living with you in school without guardianship. However, if a child has an IEP, you may need to become an Educational Surrogate. Some school districts prefer that the person enrolling the child has a Power of Attorney or Guardianship, but it should not be required. If there are circumstances impacting the safety of the child, you may need to pursue guardianship or call CPS.
Please refer to the links below to find resources to assist in enrollment of a child.
- Homeless Liaison Directory – Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
- MPS Homeless Education Program
Educational Surrogate
If a child needs an educational decision maker for special education matters including an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) – there is a process for this. If a parent is not available or able to participate in the IEP, the Local Education Agency can appoint a suitable adult as an Educational Surrogate.