The purpose of the Colleton County School District Migrant Education Program (MEP) is to ensure that migrant students have the opportunity to meet the same challenging state content and student performance standards that all children are expected to meet. CCSD will provide educational and support services that assist migrant students in overcoming educational disruption, cultural and language barriers, and other problems that result from repeated moves. Successful transition to employment or post-secondary education is the goal for every student. Funds that support the migrant program are provided through a federal grant to qualifying states.

Funding for migrant education programs is regulated by qualifying definitions of migrant status for participants. A Certificate of Eligibility for each participant must qualify the status in accordance with the law. Section 1309 of Public Law 107-110. 2 states the definition as follows:

Migratory child

The term "migratory child" means a child who is, or whose parent or spouse is, a migratory agricultural worker, including a migratory dairy worker, or a migratory fisher, and who, in the preceding 36 months, to obtain, or accompany such parent or spouse, in order to obtain, temporary or seasonal employment in agricultural or fishing work:

• has moved from one school district to another; or
• in a state that is comprised of a single school district, has moved from one administrative area to another within such district; or
• resides in a school district of more than 15,000 miles, and migrates a distance of 20 miles or more to a temporary residence to engage in a fishing activity.

Agricultural Activity

• the production or initial processing of crops, dairy products, poultry, or livestock, as well as the cultivation or harvesting of trees. It consists of work performed for wages or personal subsistence.

Fishing Work

• the catching or initial processing of fish or shellfish or the raising or harvesting of fish or shellfish at fish farms. It consists of work performed for wages or personal subsistence.

The South Carolina Department of Education MEP supports the efforts of the Colleton County School District in identifying and recruiting migrant children for educational programs and services.

For additional information contact:

Tameka Washington

843-782-4522 ext.72191

[email protected]