McKinney-Vento Act Information for Parents

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground

• On the street

• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or

Your children have the right to:

• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.

• Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended if that is your choice and is feasible. If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.

• Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian request such transportation.

• Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.

• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.

• Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records, or any other documents required for enrollment.

• Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling your children.

• Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.

When you move, you should do the following:

• Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling your child in a new school or arranging for your child to continue in his or her former school.

• Contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping your child adjust to new circumstances.

• Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.