AbstractThis article examines the barriers that impede access to school of children who live in shelters from the perspectives of directors of homeless shelters and public school personnel. Surveys were distributed to directors of homeless shelters and to school personnel throughout Illinois in early 1992. The three barriers ranked highest by each group were lack of parental involvement, inadequate transportation, and inadequate clothing. Because of the absence of a formalized cooperative procedure, the findings suggest that neither shelter nor school staff members were clear on who is responsible for ensuring that homeless children receive an education. The implications of these findings for school social workers are discussed.