McKinney-Vento Act
The Federal McKinney-Vento Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to a lack of permanent housing, lives in inadequate or temporary settings, such as:
Emergency or Transitional Shelters
Motels, Hotels, or Campgrounds
In Cars, Parks, Public Places, Bus or Train Stations, or Abandoned Buildings
Doubled up with Relatives or Friends
A Migratory Youth/Child in one of the Above Conditions
Families should know:
- You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
- Your child cannot be denied school enrollment when school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
- Your child may be able to remain in the same school even if you move.
- Your child has the right to transportation services to remain in the school of origin when in the child’s best interests.
- Schools must provide you with a written explanation if a placement dispute occurs and you may appeal the school’s decision. Contact your local Homeless Liaison for assistance in handling a placement dispute.
- Your child automatically qualifies to participate in free breakfast and lunch programs.
- Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, or local programs for which he/she is eligible.
- Unaccompanied youth lacking fixed, regular and adequate housing have these same rights.
Resources:
- Chloe Jerlinski, McKinney Vento Liaison: 540-434-2752
- HCPS Admission of Homeless Children Policy
- Project HOPE