Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act

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Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act

Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act includes requirements for all districts to identify and serve children and youth experiencing homelessness so that these children have access to the same free appropriate public education as provided to other children and youth in the state. Some funding is available to award competitive grants to districts that meet eligibility requirements based on the number of homeless children and youth identified in the district.

Statewide Toll Free Number 1-877-854-5437

Homeless students are those who lack a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who are sharing the housing of other persons due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals. The definition includes migratory students who live in the aforementioned situations. Beginning December 10th, 2016, "those awaiting foster care placement" are not included in the definition.

Parent and Family Rights

The McKinney-Vento Act provides certain rights for students experiencing homelessness. They include waiving certain requirements such as proof of residency when students are enrolling and allowing categorical eligibility for certain services, such as free textbooks. The Act also states,

• Homeless students may attend their school of origin or the school where they are temporarily residing;

• Homeless students must be provided a written statement of their rights when they enroll and at least two times per year;

• Homeless students may enroll without school, medical, or similar records;

• Homeless students have a right to transportation to school;

• Students must be provided a statement explaining why they are denied any service or enrollment;

• Students must receive services, such as transportation, while disputes are being settled;

• Students are automatically eligible for Title I services;

• School districts must reserve a portion of Title IA funds to serve homeless students;

• School districts must review and revise policies that provide barriers to homeless students;

• Schools must post information in the community regarding the rights of homeless students, in schools and other places that homeless families may frequent; and

• School districts must identify a McKinney Vento Liaison to assist students.

Experiencing a loss of housing, due to economic hardship or similar reason and need assistance with school enrollment? Every school district has a McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison who can help you and your child.