McKinney-Vento (Homeless Assistance) Act 722

WHD SD 147's program for students experiencing housing instability under The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures students have access to education and can fully participate in school. We encourage student’s education by removing barriers that would limit their ability to fully engage and participate in school activities and events. We strive to partner with families to stay involved in their student’s education by providing resources and community referrals to assist with educational support services and basic needs. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that guarantees all children and youth the right to an equal education regardless of their living situation.  Protection under the McKinney-Vento Act extends to those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:

• Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
• Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters or transitional housing (this generally includes a time limit on the housing assistance and case management by the housing agency)
• Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
• Children and youth abandoned in hospitals
• Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
• Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)
• Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations

Students who are experiencing homelessness have the right to remain in their school of origin or enroll in the local attendance area school nearest to their nighttime residence. Upon request, transportation is provided for eligible students so they can remain in their school of origin if it is in the student's best interest. The designee shall review and revise rules or procedures that may act as barriers to the enrollment of homeless children and youths. In reviewing and revising such procedures, consideration shall be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records, and other documentation and guardianship. Transportation shall be provided in accordance with the McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and State law. The Superintendent or designee shall give special attention to ensuring the enrollment and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school. If a child is denied enrollment or transportation under this policy, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall immediately refer the child or his or her parent/guardian to the person appointed by the Regional Superintendent and provide the child or his or her/parent/guardian with a written explanation for the denial. Whenever a child and his or her parent/guardian who initially share the housing of any other person due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship continue to share the housing, the Liaison for Homeless Children shall, after the passage of 18 months and annually thereafter, conduct a review as to whether such hardship continues to exist in accordance with State law.

Mckinney Vento Homeless Liaison: Veronica Keel at 708-339-9500 x5509