McKinney-Vento
OVERVIEW:
TITLE IX, Part A, known as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ensures that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, as other children and youth. The law defines homeless children as those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence, including those living in shelters, motels, doubled-up with families, abandoned buildings, or cars, and unaccompanied youth.
Under McKinney-Vento, homeless students have the right to immediate enrollment in school, even without typical enrollment documents, and can attend their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming homeless) or the local school where they currently live. The law mandates that homeless students receive free school meals and other support services, including academic help and special education if needed.
Each district must designate a Homeless Education Liaison, Kim Morrow (morrowk@marshallk12.org), to help connect students and families with services and ensure their rights are upheld. Decisions regarding school enrollment or school of origin are made in the best interest of the child, considering stability, academic needs, and safety.
McKinney-Vento also ensures that unaccompanied youth (those not living with parents or guardians) receive educational support. Schools are required to resolve disputes regarding enrollment or services through an expedited process.
The act provides federal funding to support these services, ensuring that homeless students have the support necessary to succeed academically. While there are challenges in implementation, McKinney-Vento plays a crucial role in providing homeless students with equal educational opportunities, promoting stability, and helping break the cycle of poverty.
Title IX, Part A Director:
Trevor Mitchell
Email: mitchellt@marshallk12.org