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Overview

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  Everyone between the ages of 4 and 21 on September 1st of the school year may have the right to enrollment if they qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act.  This federal legislation protects the rights of students living in one of the situations: 

• Does not live with a parent or legal guardian.
• Living temporarily doubled up with friends or family due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
• Living in a hotel/motel due to a recent loss of housing and economic hardship.
• Living in a shelter (homeless, domestic violence, run-away).
• Sleeping in a campground, car, abandoned building, or another place not designated for, or ordinarily used as regular housing for people.
• Living in substandard housing (no electricity or water).
• Participating in a transitional housing program.
• Does not have school records.

Under federal and state law, children and youth experiencing homelessness have a right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). The (federal law) provides assistance to states to help them ensure educational rights and protection for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This program helps State Educational Agencies ensure that homeless children, including preschoolers and youths, have equal access to FAPE, including public preschool education, as provided to other children and youth.  Consistent with the McKinney-Vento Act, children experiencing homelessness are to be provided services comparable to those received by other students in the school they attend, including transportation services, and education programs for which such students are otherwise eligible, such as services provided under , as amended by the  of 2015 or similar state or local programs and programs for students with disabilities.

Children and Youth experiencing homelessness are guaranteed the following:

• The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking paperwork normally required for enrollment.
• The right to attend school in his/her school of origin (if this is requested by the parent and is feasible) or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.
• Automatic eligibility for any nutrition services available at the school.
• The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin, if this is requested by the parent and is feasible.
• The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
• The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited.
• The posting of homeless students' rights in all schools and other places around the community.

ÁùºÏ²ÊͶעÍøISD ensures that services are provided that support our families and students during a time of hardship and transition.  We treat our families with dignity and respect to empower them to better their living situation and support our student's educational environment. 

ÁùºÏ²ÊͶעÍøISD residency surveys are available at every campus and online. 

For additional McKinney-Vento information, and to determine if your child can enroll under the McKinney-Vento Act, contact the ÁùºÏ²ÊͶעÍø McKinney-Vento Liaison, Patricia Knapp, at 817-547-5754 or Patricia.Knapp@Birdvilleschools.net.

Region 11 McKinney-Vento Coordinator:  Lesley Cathey, M.Ed.; Contact Information:  lcathey@esc11.net  817-740-7748  For additional resources, visit the .

and Information for students experiencing homelessness

TEHCY, Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth, Website:  

MCKINNEY-VENTO POSTERS