McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance ActThe McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal and state law created to support the enrollment and education of homeless students. The McKinney-Vento Act exists to ensure the educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness, and protect the rights of students to enroll and/or stay in school even when housing becomes uncertain.Rights, Services and Protections Afforded by the McKinney-Vento ActEnsure proper identification and immediate enrollment even if they lack normally required documents, such as immunization records or proof of residence.Local school districts must appoint Education Liaisons to ensure that school staff are aware of these rights, to provide public notice to homeless families, and to facilitate access to school and transportation services.Children experiencing homelessness have the right to attend their school of origin (the school they attended when they first became homeless) even if they are not residing in the area anymore.Transportation to and from school and extracurriculars free of charge. This includes ensuring specific busing for homeless students so they can stay at the school they were attending before they became homeless.Remove all enrollment barriers including, deadlines, fines or fees, records required and documentations, credit transfersAssist unaccompanied homeless youth with enrollment, school placement and obtaining records.Ensure that preschool-aged children and families experiencing homelessness have access to receive services, if eligible, under LEA-administered preschool, (Head Start, Part C of Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and other LEA programs.Provide referrals for medical, dental, and health/wellness services as well as domestic violence programs and housing as needed.DefinitionThe McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." This definition includes (but is not limited to) children who are:
- sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing (e.g. doubled-up)
- living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds
- living in emergency or transitional shelters
- sleeping in places unfit for human habitation (e.g. park benches)
- living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, etc.
- Unaccompanied youth is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian in the aforementioned living circumstances
Legislation
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Overview
McKinney-Vento Education Code
School of Origin/Residence
Laws Impacting the Education of Housing-Insecure Students
Dispute Resolution Process
Graduation Waiver/AB1806 Sample Form
US Department of Ed Non-Regulatory Guidance
McKinney-Vento Definition
