What is McKinney-Vento?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to a free, appropriate public education and a stable educational environment. It defines homeless children and youth as those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The Act provides rights and services, including immediate enrollment, transportation, and educational services comparable to those provided to other students.

Important Provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act

Definition of Homelessness: The Act defines homeless children and youth as those without a consistent, regular, and adequate place to sleep. This includes families temporarily sharing housing due to financial hardship, staying in motels, hotels, shelters, or other short-term arrangements, as well as children sleeping in cars, parks, or abandoned buildings.
Immediate Enrollment: Homeless students have the right to enroll in school right away, even if they don’t have typical enrollment documents or have missed deadlines.
School of Origin: Students can remain at their original school when it’s in their best interest or attend the local school where they are currently living.
Transportation: Families can request transportation for students to and from their school of origin.
Equal Educational Services: Homeless students are entitled to receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, tailored to their individual needs.
School Liaison: Every school must designate a liaison to support homeless students and their families and serve as a point of contact.
Educational Stability: The Act ensures that students experiencing homelessness can maintain continuity in their education despite housing challenges.

RESOURCE GUIDES:

Looking for resources? We are gathering and updating local resources frequently. Or try findhelp.org.

CONTACT US:

Jamie McClintic serves as the Regional Coordinator providing support to all liaisons across the Char-Em, COP ESD, and COOR ISD districts. To locate your child’s liaison, please contact your child’s school or Jamie McClintic.