McKinney-Vento Homeless Service

Who is Eligible for McKinney-Vento Services?

A student or family that:

• Is lacking a stable, permanent and sufficient nighttime residence, which may include substandard housing
• Is sharing housing due to financial difficulties
• Is an unaccompanied youth, meaning they are not under the care of a parent or court-appointed guardian
• Is a child or youth abandoned in a hospital

Eligible Children Have the Right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education;
• Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment;
• Enroll, attend classes and participate fully in all school activities while the school gathers needed records;
• 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 the District believes that the school selected is not in the best interest of a child, the District must provide a written explanation of its position and the right to appeal the decision.
• Receive transportation to/from the school of origin
• Attend school with children not experiencing homelessness; segregation based on a student’s status as homeless is prohibited;
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the child’s needs.

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact Matt Ortman to find out what services and support may be available. There also may be support available for preschool-age children.

If you need further assistance with your children's educational needs, contact the National Center for Homeless Education.