Homelessness/McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

 Homelessness The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and be successful. The legislation requires the District 96 Homeless Education Liaison to assist children and unaccompanied youth in their efforts to attend school.

The following apply to homeless children and youth:

• The right to immediate enrollment, even if lacking paperwork normally required; • Immediate enrollment in the Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program;

• The right to attend school in his/her school of origin (if requested by the parent and is feasible) or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing;

• The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin, if requested by the parent;

• The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services;

• The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness;

• Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited.

• Educational organizations and schools.

• Where appropriate, referrals to food bank and meal programs, local service organizations (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.), family shelters, medical services, and other support.

To obtain additional information regarding establishing homeless status and resources available, please contact the McKinney-Vento Liaison in Department of Special Education and Student Services at (708) 447-0706.