McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance and Liaison
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students in temporary housing. Under this law, students experiencing homelessness are entitled to important rights and services.
The McKinney-Vento Act states that children and youth who lack "a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence" will be considered homeless.
Disaster and Emergency Response
Students who are temporarily displaced due to disaster are also protected by the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.
Unaccompanied Youth
An unaccompanied youth is a student who is not in the physical custody of their parent or legal guardian; this includes young people who have run away from home, have been kicked out of their homes, or have been abandoned by their parents.
McKinney-Vento eligible students have the right to:
- receive a free, appropriate public education;
- enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment, or having missed application or enrollment deadlines during a period of homelessness;
- enroll in school and attend classes while the school district/school gathers needed documentation;
- continue attending the school of origin, or enroll in the local attendance area school if attending the school of origin is not in the best interest of the student or is
- contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth;
- receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested by the parent or guardian, or by the local liaison on behalf of an unaccompanied youth; and
- receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to each student's need.
Homeless Liaison: Ms. Sandra Wojnowski
Phone (631) 474-2700 ext. 799