McKinney-Vento

Information for Parents

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987, Subtitle B of Title VII,  (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.) is included in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015.  This program is designed to provide assistance families in transition or who are experiencing homelessness. The reauthorization requires that children and youth experiencing homelessness are immediately enrolled in school and have educational opportunities equal to those of their non-homeless peers. The statute requires every public school district and charter holder to designate a Homeless Liaison to ensure that homeless students are identified and their needs are being met.
A family together
Homeless Education Liaison

Virginia Whitehorse

Phone: 928-608-4387
Email: vwhitehorse@pageud.org
State Coordinator
Sylvia Chavez
602-542-4963
Email: homeless@azed.gov
 

IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS, YOUR SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN MAY QUALIFY FOR CERTAIN

RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS UNDER THE FEDERAL MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT

Does your family live in a shelter? 

In a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station?

Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing, or economic hardship?

 

Your eligible chidren 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 the school you select 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 you children's needs.

kids with their teacher in classroom

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the Homeless Education Liaison to find out

what services and supports may be eligible. There also may be supports available for your

pre-school age children.

If you need further assistance with your children's educational needs, you may also contact the National Center for Homeless Education:

1-800-308-2145  |  homeless@serve.org  |  www.serve.org/nche