Homeless Assistance
Who to contact
If you have a student who may qualify for McKinney-Vento services, or if you need more information, please contact Barbara Smith, McKinney-Vento Coordinator at 253-583-5154 or basmith@cloverpark.k12.wa.us.
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was authorized by Congress in December 2001, as part of the No Child Left Behind Legislation. The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to remove barriers to education for homeless/transitional students and provide educational stability.
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students have the right to remain in attendance at the school they were going to when they were last permanently housed. This is known as their "school of origin." Clover Park School District will do everything possible to ensure that students have the ability to remain in their school of origin, and to succeed academically. The district will provide transportation assistance and free meals for all eligible homeless students. Tutoring and other academic assistance, including school supplies and clothing, are also available.
Who is considered McKinney–Vento eligible?
Any child or youth who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence is considered homeless, including those who are temporarily sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship. This includes children and youth who are living in hotels; camping grounds; emergency shelters; cars; bus or train stations, or other similar settings; unaccompanied youth; transitional housing programs and children in foster or temporary placements. If you are not sure if a child qualifies, call 253-583-5157.
What are the educational rights of homeless children and youth?
Clover Park schools provide equal and comparable access to all students regardless of their home living situation. McKinney-Vento eligible children and youth have specific rights, including the right to:
- Maintain attendance at the school of origin (if this is in the child's best interest), or enroll in the local school where currently residing;
- Receive assistance with transportation;
- Become eligible for free meals;
- Receive assistance obtaining needed records and documentation;
- Receive support services and programs for which they are eligible, such as gifted education, children with disabilities, vocational education, and preschool;
- Receive academic assistance through the district's federally funded Title I program;
- Have parent or guardian involvement in school activities; and
- Maintain enrollment in the current school for the remainder of the school year (with transportation assistance, if needed).
If you have a student/child who may qualify for McKinney-Vento services or would like more information, please contact Barbara Smith, McKinney-Vento Coordinator at 253-583-5154 or basmith@cloverpark.k12.wa.us.
Resources
- Clover Park School District Resource Guide for Homeless Students and Families
- Clover Park School District Policies on Homeless Students Enrollment Rights and Services
- Clover Park School District's Dispute Resolution Form
Links
Access Point 4 Housing
253-682-3401All households in need of homelessness prevention services, rapid re-housing, housing or shelter services, will be processed through this centralized intake and matched with the local organization best suited to the household's needs. Plus, Access Point 4 Housing will also offer homelessness prevention services, such as rent, utility and other assistance.
- www.associatedministries.org/pages/access4housing.htm
- www.associatedministries.org/PDF/AccessPoint4Housing_flyer.pdf
Student Services Department
Early Childhood Education (PreSchool)
Special Education Department
Compensatory Programs Department
Title I, Part A Learning Assistance Program (LAP)
Highly Capable Program
OSPI Homeless Education Office
McKinney-Vento Act of 1986
Dispute Resolution Process for the Enrollment of Homeless Children and Youths
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth:
National Center for Homeless Education
Washington State Coalition for the Homeless
Publications
English
- Parent Homeless Info Poster
- Youth Homeless Info Poster
- Access Point 4 Housing
- Foreclosure Brochure
- Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Flyer
- Shelters for Pregnant & Parenting Teens
- Higher Education Assistance
Spanish
- Spanish Parent Homeless Info Poster
- Spanish Youth Homeless Info Poster
- Spanish Foreclosure Brochure
- Spanish Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Flyer
- Higher Education Assistance
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