McKinney-Vento (Homeless) Parent Information
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was created by the United States federal government to ensure homeless children have the same opportunity to be successful in school as non-homeless children. It defines homelessness as lacking "fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." According to the McKinney-Vento Act, children, youth, and/or families are homeless if they are living in locations such as motels, hotels, cars, parks, shelters, or abandoned buildings. Families who are living doubled up with another family and have no other options may meet the criteria for homelessness, as well. The McKinney-Vento Act requires all public schools in the United States to provide the same services to all children, regardless of their living situation.
Children's Rights under McKinney-Vento
Your children have the right to:
- Continue to attend school in the school attended before you became homeless (school of origin).
- Receive transportation to the school of origin.
- Enroll in school without giving a permanent address and attend classes while the school arranges for a school transfer, immunization records or other documents required for enrollment.
- Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
- Have enrollment disputes quickly addressed.
What are school districts required to do under the McKinney-Vento Act?
Each school district must designate a homeless liaison. The liaison's responsibilities are to identify and immediately enroll homeless children and youth, and then help them to succeed in school. The liaison:
- Assists with enrollment and dispute-resolution procedures.
- Informs the parent or guardian, unaccompanied youth, district staff, and community agencies of the educational rights of homeless children and youth.
- Arranges transportation.
- Obtains necessary school supplies.
- Ensures students receive free school meals.
- Ensures comparable educational services.
- Provides a list of community agencies which can help meet basic needs.
Districts are responsible for removing educational barriers limiting a homeless student's full participation in school. Barriers may include lack of transportation, inability to pay for books, school supplies, program apparel, or policies (such as residential requirements) which may exclude them from enrollment. Students experiencing homelessness have the right to receive transportation to their school of origin.
What should I do if I am forced to move from my home?
You should contact the district homeless liaison, Melanie Brick, at (920) 983-9174 ext. 4115 to be connected with community resources to meet your needs, enroll your children in the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, and request transportation so your children may continue attending their school of origin if you are homeless.
Community Resources
For a comprehensive list of community resources, please visit the Brown County United Way 211 website .