McKinney-Vento (Homeless)
Students who are eligible under the McKinney-Vento Education Act are eligible children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. In general, children or youth living in motels, transitional housing, shelters, the street, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations may be considered eligible for McKinney-Vento services.
Who are they?
Students who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act are those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:
Doubled-up Children: Staying with friends or relatives temporarily because their family lost housing or cannot afford housing.
Shelters or Transitional Housing: Living in emergency shelters, family shelters, or transitional programs.
Motels/Hotels: Staying in motels or hotels when no other adequate housing is available.
Inadequate Housing: Living in places not meant for people to sleep (cars, parks, campgrounds, abandoned buildings, etc.).
Migratory Situations: Children whose family moves for seasonal work and who lack adequate housing.
Unaccompanied Youth: Children or teens who are not in the custody of a parent/guardian and who lack stable housing (including runaways or youth locked out of their homes).
What are their rights?
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth experiencing housing insecurity have the right to:
Stay in the Same School or Change Schools: Students can remain in their school of origin (the school they last attended or were enrolled in when housing was lost) or enroll in the school near their temporary residence. Parents or caregivers decide.
Enroll Immediately: Students can start school right away, even without records such as immunizations, transcripts, or proof of residence.
Receive Transportation: Schools must provide transportation to and from the school of origin if requested.
Access Preschool Programs: Young children are given priority for preschool enrollment.
Receive Free Meals and Fee Waivers: Automatically eligible for free school meals and waivers for other school fees.
Access to Learning Tools: Including devices, internet access, and school meals during remote learning.
Academic Support: Tutoring and other supports are available if needed.
Understanding the Educational Rights of Children in Temporary Living Situations
- Who qualifies for this help?
- Choice of Schools
- Immediate Enrollment
- Transportation
- Early Childhood
- Free Lunch & School Fees
- Settling Disputes
- Contact Information
Who qualifies for this help?
Choice of Schools
Immediate Enrollment
Transportation
Early Childhood
Free Lunch & School Fees
Settling Disputes
Contact Information
If you think you might qualify for McKinney-Vento services please contact your school or McKinney-Vento Liaison, Katerina Vaselopulos at:
(847) 789-5616