Homeless Information
McKinney-Vento Act
School districts in Wisconsin are required to ensure that homeless children have access to the same educational opportunities as non-homeless children, including opportunities to meet the same challenging state academic standards.
If you are currently homeless, and need assistance in providing new or continuing educational opportunities for your children, you may contact the DeForest Area School District's Homeless Liaison: Sara Totten (608-842-6526).
If your family lives in any of the following situations:
In a shelter
A motel or campground due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
Doubles up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
Unaccompanied homeless youth: child or youth who meets the McKinney-Vento definition and is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian
Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act:
Your eligible children have the right to:
Receive a free, appropriate public education
Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best intereste of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children's needs.
If you believe your children may be eligible, contact Sara Totten (608- 842-6526) to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.
Resources for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Education for Homeless Children and Youth, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Phone: 1-800-441-4563
National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (NCHE)
www.center.serve.org/nche/index.php
Phone: 1-800-308-2145
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
Phone: 1-866-862-2562
Higher Education Hotline: 855-446-2673
National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP)
Phone: 1-202-638-2535
National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH)
Phone: 1/202/462/4822
National Center on Family Homelessness
Phone: 1-617-964-3834