Homelessness

 If you live in any of the following situations: 

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground 

• On the street 

• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or 

• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing 

Then, you have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. 

You have the right to: 

• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. You must be given access to the same public education provided to other students. 

• Continue in the school you attended before you became homeless or the school you last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. The school district’s local liaison for homeless education must assist you, if needed, and offer you the right to appeal a decision regarding your choice of school if it goes against your wishes. 

• Receive transportation to the school you attended before you became homeless or the school you last attended, if you request such transportation. 

• Attend a school and participate in school programs with students who are not homeless. Students cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless. 

• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment. 

• Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment. 

• Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrollment. 

• Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other students served in these programs. 

• Receive transportation to school and to school programs. 

When you move, you should do the following: 

• Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling 

in a new school or arranging to continue in your former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or 

the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.) 

• Tell your teachers anything that you think they need to know to help you in school. 

• Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing 

and supplies, if needed. 

If your family lives in any of the following situations: 

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground 

• On the street 

• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or 

• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing 

Then, your preschool-aged and school-aged children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. 

Your children have the right to: 

• Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children. 

• Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision. 

• Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian request such transportation. 

• Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless. 

• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment. 

• Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment. 

• Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling your children. 

• Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs. 

• Receive transportation to school and to school programs. 

When you move, you should do the following: 

• Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling your child in a new school or arranging for your child to continue in his or her former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.) 

• Contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping your child adjust to new circumstances. 

• Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed. 

If you need further assistance, call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free Help Line number: 1-800-308-2145 

Note: While these are considered warning signs, please recognize that they only offer general guidance. There is significant variability within the school-age homeless population. Individual students may differ significantly from the following general characteristics.

Lack of Continuity in Education

• Attendance at many different schools
• Lack of personal records needed to enroll
• Inability to pay fees
• Gaps in skill development
• Mistaken diagnosis of abilities
• Poor organizational skills
• Poor ability to conceptualize

Poor Health/Nutrition

• Lack of immunizations and/or immunization records
• Unmet medical and dental needs
• Increased vulnerability to colds & flu
• Respiratory problems
• Skin rashes
• Chronic hunger (may horde food)
• Fatigue (may fall asleep in class)

Transportation and Attendance Problems

• Erratic attendance and tardiness
• Numerous absences
• Lack of participation in after-school activities
• Lack of participation in field trips
• Absences on days when students bring special treats from home
• Inability to contact parents

Poor Hygiene

• Lack of shower facilities/washers, etc.
• Wearing same clothes for several days
• Inconsistent grooming – well-groomed one day and poorly groomed the next

Lack of Privacy/Personal Space After School

• Consistent lack of preparation for school
• Incomplete or missing homework (no place to work or keep supplies)
• Unable to complete special projects (no access to supplies)
• Lack of basic school supplies
• Loss of books and other supplies on a regular basis
• Concern for safety of belongings
• Refusing invitations from classmates