Children's Rights Under McKinney-Vento

Students have the right to: Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there; Attend either the local school or the school of origin; Receive transportation to and from the school of origin; Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records normally required for enrollment, such as birth certificate, proof of residence, previous school records, or immunization records.

Who is a Homeless Student?

A child who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The child may live in a shelter, a motel, a car, a campground, or on the street. Homeless children may be “doubled-up” with relatives or friends due to a loss of housing, natural disaster, or economic hardship.

The McKinney-Vento Act

If you lost your housing and now live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, on the street, or doubled-up with family or friends, your child may be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney Vento Act.

Unaccompanied Youth

A student is considered an unaccompanied homeless youth if he or she is under the age of 18, experiencing homelessness, and not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied homeless youth are protected under the McKinney-Vento Act and entitled to the above listed rights.

Please click here for a guide to the rights of a Homeless or Unaccompanied Youth



Mrs. Jennifer Wilcox is our McKinney-Vento Liason.  If you or someone you know might need assistance, please contact her confidentially at
[email protected]
or call:  (810) 591-2215