Migrant Education Program

2855 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33966

P: 239-337-8337   F: 239-335-1563

Assistant Director

Leta Dietz Smith

Grants Specialist

Mariela Amaral

Teacher On Assignment

Silvana Acebal

Recruiter

Becky Silva

 

Purpose of the Migrant Education Program

The purpose of the Migrant Education Program is to: Identify educational needs of migrant children and their families, and ensures that migrant students, who move between states, are not at disadvantage because of differences in curriculum, graduation requirements, and academic standards.

What is the Migrant Education Program?

The Migrant Education Program began in 1968 as a direct result of federal funding under the Title I Grant.

The Migrant Education Program provides social and educational services to approximately 800 migrant students and their families in The School District of Lee County.

Who is Eligible for Migrant Services?

Children from birth through graduation and out-of-school youth, 16-21, are classified as migrant if they have moved with their families within the past 36 months, across school district lines, in search of temporary or seasonal work, in any agricultural or fishing activity.

 

Enroll for Preschool

Families are encouraged to start their children's education by enrolling 4-year-old students in our Pre-K class in the South Zone. In addition to an early childhood curriculum; transportation, nutrition, dental or vision screening, and social services are provided.

 

What are the Special Needs of Migrant Students?

Migrant Families have special needs due to their frequent mobility. Some of the needs the Migrant Education Program works to address are:

• Education Continuity and loss of instructional time
• Correlation of school curriculum and requirements across districts
• Limited English proficiency
• Economic pressures
• School achievement and graduation

 

Student Achievement 

The Migrant Education Program staff monitors migrant students' academic achievement and intervenes to ensure that student needs are being addressed. The Migrant Education Program monitors attendance, behavior, and grades; as well as standardized test scores and accrual of graduation requirements. Mentors work with students during the all-important transition years.

In addition, our staff works collaboratively to assist in linking migrant students to school or community resources. The goal is for migrant students to develop high self-esteem, appropriate skills, good study habits and academic achievement.

 

Support Services Offered

Migrant recruiters visit, inform, and involve parents in their children's education. They assist families with arrangement of school physicals, vision screenings, and follow-up health care. Recruiters, when able, transport families to school appointments and provide translation services as needed.

Migrant Recruiters offer home visits to help build a rapport with migrant families and identify their unique needs. The Migrant Education Program works to build bridges between families and the community. Referrals to community organizations are initiated when needed.

• Identification and Recruitment
• School Enrollment
• Pre-Kindergarten
• Educational Support and Services
• Community Referrals and Access to Services
• Home Visits
• Extended Learning Opportunities
• Migrant Parent Advisory Council
• Family Meeting and Workshops
• Social Services-Distribution of Donated Goods, School Supplies and Agency Referrals
• Family Resource Centers and Pre-K Classrooms at Bonita Springs and Mirror Lakes Elementary Schools
• Out of School Youth Services (ages 16-21)
• English Language Learning, Advocacy, Supplies, Community Information and Referrals
• Mentoring
• Health
• Home School Liaison

 

Call our number when you move to another school district or state, for better assistance when you arrive at your next location. 239-337-8337