Eligibility
IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:
- In a shelter
- In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
- In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
- 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 interest 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.
(Source:
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) -
poster
What is the definition of unaccompanied youth?
An unaccompanied youth is defined as a school aged youth or child who is not in the physical custody of a/the biological parent.
If you believe you or someone you know meets these requirements, please refer to the McKinney-Vento Liaison Contact List.