The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students who are experiencing homelessness. Under this law, all students are entitled to a free, appropriate public education, regardless of their housing situation.
A student is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:
Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations
Staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing
Living in places not meant for regular sleeping accommodation, such as cars, parks, tents, or bus/train stations
This definition also applies to migrant children living in these situations, as well as unaccompanied youth—those who are not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian.
If your school-age child is living in any of the situations described above, they may be eligible for additional rights and services under the McKinney-Vento Act. These supports may include:
Immediate enrollment in school, even without normally required documents
Transportation to and from the school of origin
Access to school meals, counseling, and other services
For more information or assistance, please contact your child’s school counselor or reach out to:
Jamie Johnson
McKinney-Vento District Liaison
West Branch Public Schools
📞 (319) 643-7213
Appeals
Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness have the right to appeal a school’s enrollment or placement decision under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
If you disagree with a school’s decision:
Report the concern to the school’s Homeless Liaison or a school administrator as soon as possible. The school will work with you to try to resolve the issue informally and as quickly as possible.
If the issue is not resolved promptly, the school must:
Provide a written explanation of its decision, including the reasons for it and Refer you to the district’s formal McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution Process.
Your child has the right to immediately enroll and attend school while the dispute is being resolved. Transportation and other services must also continue during the entire appeal process, until a final decision is made.