Saginaw ISD - Serve - Innovate - Empower

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to a free, appropriate public education and a stable educational environment. It defines homeless children and youth as those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The Act provides rights and services, including immediate enrollment, transportation, and educational services comparable to those provided to other students. 

Key Provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act:

• Definition of Homelessness:

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  The Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes those sharing housing due to economic hardship, living in motels, hotels, shelters, or other temporary accommodations, or sleeping in public places like cars, parks, or abandoned buildings. 

• Right to Immediate Enrollment:

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  Homeless students have the right to enroll in school immediately, even if they lack required documents or have missed enrollment deadlines. 

• Right to Attend School of Origin:

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  Students can continue attending their original school if it's in their best interest, or they can enroll in the local attendance area school. 

• Right to Transportation:

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  Students are entitled to transportation to and from their school of origin, if requested by the parent or guardian. 

• Right to Comparable Educational Services:

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  Students receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, taking into account their individual needs. 

• School Liaison:

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  Schools are required to appoint a local liaison to serve as a point of contact for homeless students and their families. 

• Educational Stability:

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  The Act aims to provide educational stability for homeless students, ensuring they can continue their education even when their housing situation is unstable.