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McKinney-Vento Homeless Education

This program provides support to ensure that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate, public education; including a public preschool education, with the opportunity to meet the same challenging state content and student performance standards.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The McKinney-Vento Act states that children and youth who lack “a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” will be considered homeless.

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 any period of homelessness;
  • enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents;
  • 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.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE & RESOURCES

Resources:

Technical Assistance:

Technical assistance and support is provided for local education agencies (LEAs), social service providers, shelters, families, and youth to ensure that they receive the protections and services required by the McKinney-Vento Act by;

  • (NYS-TEACHS):
    • 800-388-2014 (Helpline for questions about school-related issues)
  • State Homeless Program Coordinator:
  • National:

    • NCHE operates the U.S. Department of Education's technical assistance and information center
      for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program.

    • National organization promoting success for children and youth experiencing homelessness, from birth through higher education.

    • National membership association dedicated to educational excellence for children and youth experiencing homelessness.