Educational Rights of Homeless Students

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in homeless situations have the right to:

• Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there
• Attend either their school of origin or their local school 
• Receive associated transportation services
• Enroll in school immediately, even if missing documents normally required for enrollment, such as: 
  • birth certificate,
  • proof of residence,
  • school records,
  • Immunization (shots) or medical records
  • proof of income
• Have immediate access to free lunch (without filling out forms)
• Engage in all the same programs and services that are available to all other students 

Who Qualifies for Services?

Homeless children are those who lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence, 

and includes children and youth who are:

• Temporarily “doubled-up” with relatives or friends due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar issue
• Living in motels, hotels, or campgrounds 
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters
• Awaiting foster care placement
• Runaway youth, as well as youth not residing with their legal guardian
• Living in housing without heat, lights, or water 

Services and Supports

Homeless children may require the following: 

• School Transportation
• School supplies and backpacks
• Uniforms for school
• School Activity and Field Trip Fees
• Before and after school tutoring
• Case Management 
• Resource Referrals