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Overview
Overview
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law first enacted in 1987, outlines that every school district is to ensure that students who are experiencing homelessness or displaced have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to all other students. The Act was reauthorized in December 2015 as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act.
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students experiencing homelessness have the right to:
Immediate enrollment, even if they are missing records required for enrollment such as a birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records or immunization records
Attend the local school or the school of origin depending on what is in the child’s best interest (school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled)
Transportation to and from the school attending
Have access to participate in the same school programs, activities, and services that are available to other students, including tutoring, Title I Services, preschool, etc.
Free Meal Program
School supplies
Receive homeless supports the entire school year
MAPS Displaced/Homeless Verification Form
School Social Workers:
Complete the verification form when you have received information that a student is displaced or experiencing homelessness.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Individuals experiencing homelessness lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:
The student is doubled up with other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
The student stays at a hotel, motel, or camping ground due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
Unsheltered: the student is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
Unaccompanied youth: a homeless child for whom no parent or person in parental relation is available; under 18 and does not live with a parent or guardian
The student is abandoned in a hospital
Migratory students who meet any of the above descriptions
Tips for School Success
Connect with homeless liaison and/or school social worker. We can assist you with getting connected to community resources and agencies that may be able to help.
Continue to keep the homeless liaison informed of changes in address so that we can help facilitate setting up transportation to ensure that your child is able to attend school regularly.
Let the teacher/school know the best way to reach you (phone or written notes) to ensure ongoing communication regarding academic progress.
Make sure to attend school every day.
Parents/Caregivers: Ask your child what he/she is learning in school; If you show interest in your child’s education, he /she will know it is important.
Participate in extra-curricular activities.
Resources
click on the links below for additional information
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