The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act of 2002 (known as McKinney-Vento) defines homelessness for schools and the outlines the educational rights of homeless students.

Eligibility Criteria

If your family lives in any of the following, your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act:

• In a shelter
• In a motel or campground due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodation
• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Rights and Protections

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, eligible children have the right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education.
• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
• Attend classes while the school gathers necessary documents.
• 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), based on your preference.
• Receive a written explanation from the school district if it believes the selected school is not in the best interest of your children, along with information on your right to appeal the decision.
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if eligible (comparable services provided; must reside more than 1.5 miles for Pre-K to 5th grade, and more than 2 miles for middle and high school).
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children's needs.

If you believe your children may be eligible, please contact your local liaison to learn about available services and supports. There may also be resources for your preschool-age children.