What school-related responsibilities must an LCPAA ensure for children in placement?

• A. School matters handled by foster parents only.
• B. Only enroll, nothing else.
• C. Schools are not involved.
• D. Ensure timely school enrollment or transfer, maintain academic records, coordinate transportation, and collaborate with educators.

Answer: (D)

Ensuring education follows the child into placement and stays continuous is the essential duty. An LCPAA must actively manage school-related tasks so the child’s schooling remains stable despite placement changes.

Start with enrollment or transfer: when a placement changes, the child should be enrolled or transferred promptly to avoid any gaps in schooling, with the appropriate records and documents moving with them.

Maintain academic records: keep up-to-date transcripts, report cards, attendance histories, and any special education records (IEPs or 504 plans). These should be readily available to the new school to ensure appropriate supports are in place.

Coordinate transportation: arrange and verify transportation to and from school and to related activities, so attendance isn’t jeopardized by logistics.

Collaborate with educators: work with teachers, school counselors, and administrators to share placement information, support the child’s education plan, and ensure access to services and accommodations as needed.

If schools were left out or if enrollment alone were the focus, critical elements like record transfer, transport, and ongoing collaboration with educators would be missed, creating gaps in the child’s education and supports.