The McKinney-Vento Act protects the educational
rights of students experiencing homelessness. It provides grants and
legal protections so children and youth in homeless situations can
enroll in, attend, and succeed in school and preschool programs. Students in homeless situations have the right to:
- Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there.
- Get
help enrolling and succeeding in school from the school district's
liaison for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth. Liaisons have a
special responsibility to help youth who are on their own.
- Stay
in the school they went to before becoming homeless or whatever school
they were enrolled in last, even if they move out of the district, if
that is feasible. Students can stay in their school of origin the entire
time they are homeless. Students can also finish the school year in the
school if they find permanent housing during the year.
- Get
transportation to their school of origin, provided or arranged for by
the school district, or a joint effort among school districts.
- Go
to the local school in the area where they are living. The school must
immediately let students enroll, attend classes, and participate fully
in school activities, even if students do not have a parent or guardian
with them or documents such as proof of residency, immunization records,
other medical records, school records, or other documents.
- Get a
written explanation from the school district if the district refuses to
send students to the school they choose, and have the liaison settle
such disagreements.
- Have disagreements settled quickly and go to the school they choose while disagreements are settled.
- Get
preschool services, free or reduced school meals, services for English
language learners, special education, Title I services, vocational
education, gifted and talented services, and before- and after-school
care, as needed.
- Go to school with children who are not
homeless. Students cannot be separated from the regular school program
because they are homeless.
- Get information and referrals from
liaisons, including information about all available educational programs
and how parents can participate, public notice about their rights, and
referrals to health, mental health, dental and other services.
- Have the opportunity to meet the same high academic achievement standards as all students.
Click on these links for more information:
Who is considered homeless?
Q and As about homelessness
Resources for families
District McKinney-Vento Liaison:
Timothy O'Connor, Director of Student Services
585-349-5150
McKinney-Vento Information