McKinney-Vento (Homeless)

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and succeed. The legislation requires a local homeless education liaison in every school district to assist children and unaccompanied youth in their efforts to attend school. This act guarantees homeless children and youth the following:

• The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking paperwork typically required for enrollment
• The right to attend school in his/her school of origin or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing
• The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin
• The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services
• The right to an “equal playing field” and the removal of all barriers to receiving educational services
• The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited.
• The posting of homeless students’ rights in all schools and other places around the community.

Who qualifies for this help? The law states any student who does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to sleep at night qualifies for educational assistance. This includes students and families who stay at a shelter, on the street, in a car, or in an abandoned building. Families that have lost their housing and need to double up with friends or relatives because they cannot afford their own place also qualify.

Choice of Schools - Changing schools frequently can negatively impact student’s education, causing them to fall behind. Students who qualify for educational assistance through the McKinney-Vento Act can stay at the school they have been attending or transfer to the district where they are temporarily staying. The student's caregiver will make the choice. This does not mean that they can go to any school. It has to be one of the schools above. Once the student and family become permanently housed, the student may finish the school year at their current school or transfer to the new district. The school’s liaison can assist in whichever decision the parent/guardian makes for the students.

Immediate Enrollment - School districts are required to enroll McKinney-Vento eligible students without delay, even if they do not have the student’s school or medical records. If they need assistance getting educational or medical records, ask to speak with the district’s liaison.

Transportation - If the student chooses to remain at their home school, the school district will work with them on transportation options. If the ride to school is estimated to be more than one hour, the district or liaison can request a meeting with the parents to determine how this may affect the student’s education.

Free Lunch & School Fees - Because of the unstable housing, students are eligible to receive a free lunch each day, and if the district provides a breakfast program, that will also be provided at no cost. In addition, the student should not be charged to attend school. This includes books, locks, gym uniforms, class fees, sports programs, and graduation fees.