McKinney-Vento
McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Act is the primary legislative designation that authorizes the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. This act began in 1983 and has evolved since then, with reauthorization in December 2015. In addition to federal legislation, Texas has the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY).
The McKinney-Vento Act aims to support students and families experiencing homelessness. For more information on who qualifies as homeless please review this document. Services are available to families once qualified and determined based on need. The goal is to mitigate any negative impact on student's personal growth and academic achievement in school.
Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youths who:
are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
are living in emergency or transitional shelters
are abandoned in hospitals
have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
migratory children living in the circumstances previously described
Homeless Children and Youth are guaranteed the following:
The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking paperwork normally required for enrollment.
The right to attend school in his/her school of origin (if this is requested by the parent and is feasible) or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.
Automatic eligibility for any nutrition services available at the school.
The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin, if this is requested by the parent and is feasible.
The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited.
The posting of homeless students' rights in all schools and other places around the community.
McKinney-Vento Posters in Printable Format
McKinney-Vento Poster- Parents- English
McKinney-Vento Poster- Parents- Spanish
McKinney-Vento Poster- Youth- English
McKinney-Vento Poster- Youth- Spanish
Laws and Guidance
Federal Law
This federal legislation was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This legislation ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have immediate and equal access to public education.
Full text for the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Title IX, Part A of ESSA)
McKinney-Vento Definition of Homelessness (legislative excerpt)
State Law
All Texas public schools, charter schools, and education services centers, collectively known as local education agencies (LEAs), must follow federal rules concerning the education of homeless students. Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 25.001, 25.002, and 29.153 address educational rights for homeless students.
Additional Resources
Partnering to Support Educational Success for Runaway and Homeless Youth
Resource is available on the TEHCY website put forth by the NCHE. This document houses useful information to guide supporting students.
Educational Systems as Critical Partners in Ending Homelessness: The federal context
Resource is available on the TEHCY website put forth by the NCHE. This document houses useful information to guide educators in accordance with state and federal law.