MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law ensuring rights and services to families experiencing transition in housing due to economic hardship.
DEFINITION OF HOMELESS
Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth who are:
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Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
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Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
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Living in emergency or transitional shelters
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Abandoned in hospitals
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Living in public or private places not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings
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Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
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Migratory and living in conditions described in the previous examples
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Unaccompanied youth living in conditions described in the previous examples
RIGHTS OF THE STUDENT
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Immediate enrollment regardless of ability to present student records and immunizations
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Assistance securing necessary school and medical documents, records, immunizations
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Right to attend their school of origin or school of residence
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Continued attendance at school of origin for the remainder of the school year even if permanent housing is later secured
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Equal access to programs available to other students (Highly Capable, ELL, Title 1, Special Education, etc...)
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Transportation to/from school of origin/residence
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Free school meals
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Waived costs for most school-related materials and fees associated participation, retention, and success in school
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Referral to community resources and agencies
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE?
Anacortes School District Contacts:
Nicole Mortimer
Family and Student Outreach Specialist
(360) 333-9961
nmortimer@asd103.org
Washington State Contact:
Melinda Dyer
Program Supervisor, Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
(360) 725-6050 or TTY (360) 664-3631
Melinda.Dyer@k12.wa.us
More about McKinney-Vento online:
For a complete copy of procedural safeguards and student and parent rights, please contact the Director of Inclusive Services for Anacortes School District:
Shannon Gilbert
(360) 503-1216
sgilbert@asd103.org