The McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve students experiencing homelessness.
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homelessness as "lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." Some examples of children who would fall under this definition:
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Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
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Children and youth living in motels, hotel, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
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Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters
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Children and youth abandoned in hospitals
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Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)
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Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
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Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations
Rights of the Student:
Under the McKinney-Vento Act you have a right to an education without barriers, which means you can:
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Enroll regardless of ability to present student records and immunizations
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Receive assistance with securing necessary school and medical documents, records, and immunizations
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Attend school of origin or school of residence
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Continue attending school of origin for the remainder of the school year after permanent housing is secured
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Gain equal access to programs available to other students (EL, Title 1, Special Education)
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District transportation to/from school of origin/residence
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Receive free school meals
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Be referred to community resources and agencies
For more information:
OSPI - State of Washington, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
NCHE - National Center for Homeless Education
Mount Vernon School District Liaison
Tina Vinnick 360-404-0293
tvinnick@mvsd320.org
Community Agencies & Resources
COMMUNITY ACTION OF SKAGIT COUNTY
FRIENDSHIP HOUSE
SKAGIT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES
Early Childhood Education Information
CHILDCARE AWARE OF NORTHWEST WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON CONNECTION--CHILDCARE VOUCHERS
SKAGIT / ISLAND HEAD START AND ECEAP
SKAGIT PUBLIC HEALTH--CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH DIVISION
UNITED WAY OF SKAGIT COUNTY--EARLY LEARNING RESOURCES
NORTHWEST EARLY LEARNING--STUDENT AND FAMILY RESOURCES
THRIVE WASHINGTON--RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Nutrition and Basic Needs
SKAGIT VALLEY NEIGHBORS IN NEED
COMMUNITY ACTION FOOD BANK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
UNITED WAY OF SKAGIT COUNTY--CUTTING HUNGER ON WEEKENDS (CHOW)
Policy and Procedure
3115 HOMELESS STUDENTS ENROLLMENT RIGHTS AND SERVICES
3115P HOMELESS STUDENTS ENROLLMENT RIGHTS AND SERVICES