Identification and Recruitment

Migrant Families

The challenges faced by migrant families and their children in maintaining consistent education are indeed significant and multifaceted. The disruption caused by frequent moves can impede the academic progress of students, affecting their access to curriculum, school services, and extracurricular activities.

For secondary students, the interruption not only hampers their educational continuity but also complicates the process of accumulating credits necessary for high school graduation. Moreover, the transition to new schools, teachers, and communities can further exacerbate these challenges, as students must adapt to different educational environments while simultaneously trying to establish social connections.

Recognizing the national scope of these issues, the U.S. Department of Education acknowledges the importance of addressing the unique needs of migrant students and their families. Migrant Education programs strive to provide support and resources tailored to mitigate the impact of mobility on education, aiming to facilitate smoother transitions between schools and ensure that students have access to the necessary tools for academic success despite the challenges they face.

Identification of Migrant Students

Identification and Recruitment (ID&R) is the first step of Migrant Education Program Services at participating school districts. To qualify for Migrant Education Services, a migrant child must have moved due to economic necessity within the past three years across state or school district boundaries as a migratory agriculture worker or did so with or to join a migrant parent or guardian, or member of the child’s immediate family, to seek/obtain temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural, fishing or food processing activity. The child must be between the ages of 0-21 years old in order to qualify (California Handbook for Identification and Recruitment Manual).