Serving Families in Transition
The purpose of our program is to ensure that "each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education."
How do we determine if a child is homeless?
A child who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may be classified as homeless under the law known as the McKinney-Vento Act 42 U.S.C. 11434a(2), which is also known as Title IX Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act. A child’s living situation must meet one of the following criteria:
- Shelter resident
- Shared housing (doubled up with family or friends due to financial reasons)
- Motel/hotel resident (because affordable housing is not available)
- Campground or tent
- Substandard housing (the home lacks electricity or running water)
- Car or abandoned building
- Unaccompanied youth (not living in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian and lacking a regular, fixed, nighttime residence)
Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness:
- Receive a free, appropriate public education
- Enroll and attend school immediately even if unable to provide records required for enrollment
- Enroll or remain in school without a permanent address
- Qualify for Free and reduced lunch
- Receive transportation to and from school if requested
- Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the child’s needs
- Stay in school of origin (when feasible and in the child’s best interest)
- Speak with a local homeless liaison about their rights
Helpful Links:
If you are a parent/guardian or a student in need of assistance you may contact your building principal, or contact the Family/School Services Coordinator.
If you are a parent/guardian or student with questions or concerns regarding the school placement of your child please feel free to contact the Family/School Services Coordinator directly or download the Dispute Resolution Form and submit it to your child’s school.
Additionally, information on donating can be found here: Donation Letter or view the How to Help tab on the left of this page.
Sincerely,
Anna Edwards
Family/School Services Coordinator
(406)522-6118