Overview
What it is
The McKinney-Vento Act guarantees important education rights to children and youth experiencing homelessness — including those “doubled up” with others due to loss of housing, in shelters or motels, or unsheltered. Every district has a liaison whose job is to make sure these students can enroll, attend, and succeed.
Who It's For
Who it's for
“Homeless” under this law is broad: it includes families and youth who are sharing housing due to hardship, living in motels/shelters/campgrounds, or lacking a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. Unaccompanied youth (on their own) are covered too. If your family’s housing is unstable, ask your school’s liaison — you may have rights under this law.
Getting Started
Steps to take
How to get help:
- Ask for the McKinney-Vento (homeless-education) liaisonEvery district must have one
- Explain your housing situationThe liaison determines eligibility and rights
- Enroll nowYou don’t have to wait for documents
- Ask about transportation and servicesThe liaison arranges supports
Benefits
Why it matters
Key rights and supports include:
- Immediate enrollmentEnroll right away, even without the usual documents (like proof of residence or records)
- School stabilityThe right to stay in the “school of origin” when it’s in the child’s best interest, even if you move
- TransportationHelp getting to and from school, including to the school of origin
- Full participationAccess to programs, meals, and activities like any other student
- A dedicated liaisonA district staff member who connects families to services and resolves barriers
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to be in a shelter to qualify?No — the definition is broad and includes families sharing housing due to hardship.
- Can my child stay at their current school if we move?Often yes — school stability is a core right.
- Who helps us?Your district’s homeless-education liaison.
- Does it cost anything?No — these are free supports and rights.
At a Glance
Key facts
- LawMcKinney-Vento Act (ESSA, Title VII-B)
- Key rightImmediate enrollment & school stability
- Key personThe district homeless-education liaison
- CostFree
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Where to learn more
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