Early parental involvement for a student coming to study at a nonresidential kindergarten through grade 12 school is very important, even before the minor child is sent to study in the United States as an F or M student.

It is important that parents ask many questions and become comfortable with the answers they get before their children leave home. Here are some ways parents can help prepare for their minor child’s stay in the United States:

• Find out about living arrangements beforehand. Pictures/video messages and speaking with host families can be very helpful. Ask about the other people who live in the setting, as well as the physical arrangement.
• Have formal, legal documents that specify who the child’s guardian is, and in what circumstances. Include provisions for medical care. Consider granting a power of attorney, which is a legal document by which one person authorizes another to take actions on his/her behalf. The rules and processes for granting a power of attorney for your child differ from state to state. Therefore, speak with the designated school officials (DSOs) at your child’s prospective school to determine the best course of action.
• Ensure the school will be providing comprehensive oversight on behalf of the child. DSOs should be available at any time during the school day. The school should also provide you emergency contact information for non-school hours.
• Ensure that your child has sufficient finances, which is actually an official requirement by regulation, in order to come and study in the United States. Also, employment is seldom an option for a minor. Remember, F and M students are not coming to the country to work, but to get a U.S. education.
• Consider making arrangements for your child to have counseling while they are away from home. DSOs are a good starting place to get recommendations and most K-12 schools also have guidance counselors. Some may have school psychologists on staff or you may want to communicate with the local clergy near where your child will be living and studying.
• Your child should have specific information and the capability (e.g., a cell phone) to get help from law enforcement officials or receive medical care should the need arise.

Parents, getting involved from the start of the process will help you make a decision about where your minor child should reside while studying in the United States.

In the event of an emergency, the student should dial 911 or contact local law enforcement, as well as the student’s DSO. Additionally, the student should contact the Student and Exchange Visitor Program at 703-603-3400 or SEVP@ice.dhs.gov and may also call the Immigration and Customs Enforcement tip line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.

DSOs, help us share this message for K-12 parents by sharing it with your network on social media, using the hashtag #StudyintheStates.