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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
Contact Information:
Amy Riccio, Moorhead School District Homeless Liaison
O: 218-284-2218
C: 218-443-4118
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Individuals experiencing homelessness lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:
Staying with others: sharing housing (doubled up) due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
Staying in motels, hotels, substandard trailers, or camp grounds due to lack of alternative adequate housing.
Emergency/transitional housing: including domestic violence shelters, housing paid for by programs such as rapid re-housing, transitional living facilities, etc.
Having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, regular sleeping accommodations.
Unsheltered: staying in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, storage sheds, substandard housing, bus or train stations.
Unaccompanied Youth: children and youth homeless/displaced, staying in a place without a parent or legal guardian.
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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