McKinney-Vento Act: Rights and Protections for Homeless Students

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

• 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

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Rights of Eligible Children

Your eligible children have the right to:

• Receive a Free, Appropriate Public Education: Access to education without any charge.

• Immediate Enrollment: Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.

• Attend Classes While Documents are Gathered: Enroll and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.

• School Choice: 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), if you prefer.

  • If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.

• Transportation: Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.

• Comparable Educational Services: Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.

Additional Support

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and support may be available. There may also be support available for your preschool-age children.

Local Liaison:
Monica Carlson
Phone: 360.877.5463

State Coordinator:
Keith Woodruff
Phone: 360.725.6505

National Center for Homeless Education:
Phone: 1.800.308.2145
Email: homeless@serve.org
Website: http://nche.ed.gov