McKinney Vento - Homeless Assistance Act

Education for Homeless Children & Youth

The Red Clay Consolidated School District shall adhere to the provisions of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This law minimizes educational disruptions experienced by students who are experiencing homelessness.

Under McKinney-Vento, homeless students are guaranteed the right to a free, appropriate, public education. When students become homeless, they can remain enrolled in the schools they have been attending, although they might no longer meet residency requirements. McKinney-Vento also guarantees homeless students the right to enroll in a public school even if they lack the typically required documents and immunizations. In addition, homeless students are guaranteed the transportation they need to attend school.

According to McKinney-Vento, "homeless" can be defined as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including children and youth:

• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate housing.
• Living in emergency or transitional housing.
• Abandoned in hospitals.
• Awaiting foster care.
• Having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for regular sleeping accommodations.
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations.
• Migratory students meeting the descriptions above.