McKinney-Vento Act Information

McKinney-Vento Act

Educational provisions for students experiencing homelessness
Information for Parents

IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

  • In a shelter
  • In a hotel/motel or campground due to lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
  • Doubled-up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

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Your eligible children have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public education.
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
    • If the school district believes that the school you selected is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs. 

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local McKinney-Vento Liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.

Local Liaison
Clover Park School District
Jesus Villegas
253-583-5156
State Coordinator
OSPI Homeless Education
Melinda Dyer
360-725-6505

Information and FAQ for McKinney-Vento Liaisons and school staff:

Confirming McKinney-Vento Eligibility: https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/conf-elig.pdf

Flowchart: https://nche.ed.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/NCHE-Eligibility-Flowchart.pdf

DOE FAQ/McKinney-Vento Non-Regulatory Guidance: https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/homelessed/pubdocs/160240ehcyguidance072716updated0317.pdf

Schoolhouse Connection FAQ: https://schoolhouseconnection.org/learn/from-our-inboxes/