McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary piece of federal legislation concerning the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness in U.S. public schools. It was reauthorized in December 2015 by Title IX, Part A, of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Who Qualifies for McKinney-Vento Services
Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. Such living situations include:
- Doubled up with friends or relatives due to hardship or loss of housing
- Living in a hotel or motel
- Living in a shelter
- Living outside or in a campground
- Couch surfing
- Living in a residence without plumbing or electricity
- Staying in your vehicle
- Living in an abandoned building or place not meant for human habitation
Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Students who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act have the right to:
- Enroll in school immediately, even if they are lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
- Attend classes while the school gathers necessary documentation.
- Enroll in the local school near where they are currently living, or continue attending their school of origin (the last school attended or the school that the child or youth attended when permanently housed).
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
- Access all the school services available to other students.
- Receive free school meals.
For Parents and Caregivers
If any of these situations describe your current living situation, your student may be eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. Please contact your school social worker or school counselor to be connected with the McKinney-Vento program.
You may also contact Ms. Ownbey directly at 828-388-0294.
For Youth on Their Own
If you are a youth living in one of the situations listed above and not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian, you may qualify for additional services as an unaccompanied youth. For many unaccompanied youth, school is one of the safest and most predictable factors in life. McKinney-Vento staff and school social workers are available to help you:
- Enroll and stay enrolled in school
- Coordinate transportation
- Connect with community resources
School Selection & Dispute Resolution
If a parent/guardian/youth disagrees on the McKinney-Vento eligibility and/or school placement, a process is in place to appeal the decision. More information about this process can be found here:
Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness-Eng
Todo niño merece una educación estable y de la más alta calidad
Access the McKinney- Vento law in full text.
Access the Every Student Succeeds Act.