McKinney-Vento is a federal law that helps students who are experiencing homelessness or do not have a stable place to live. It ensures that these students have the opportunity to go to school and receive an education, just like any other child. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act defines a homeless individual as one who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. Based on the McKinney-Vento definition, the following children and youths should be considered homeless:
Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing (doubling up), economic hardship, or similar reasons
Children and youths who are living in motels/hotels, trailer parks, cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or campgrounds due to lack of adequate housing
Unaccompanied and migratory children who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances described above
Under McKinney-Vento, schools are required to provide certain supports and services to homeless students. These include things like:
Immediate enrollment – Homeless students have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have the usual documents like proof of residency or school records.
School stability – If a homeless student has to move, the school must make every effort to keep them in their current school, even if they move to a different school district. This helps provide stability and continuity in their education.
Transportation assistance – If a homeless student has to move to a new school, the school district must provide transportation to and from school, so that the student can continue attending their original school if that is in their best interest.
Access to support services – Schools must ensure that homeless students have access to the same educational services and programs as other students. This includes things like free school meals, special education services and extracurricular activities.
Students of homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian) residing in the district shall have equal access to the same free appropriate public education including comparable services, as provided to other students and youth who reside in the district. Homeless students and youth shall not be required to attend a separate school or program for homeless students.
