Understand the definition of a homeless student as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Receive training on the key elements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Understand how to refer a homeless student to district staff so that the student receives all appropriate educational services in a timely manner
Display posters (which notify the public of the educational rights for homeless students) throughout the district and other locations where children and youth receive services under this Act. Posters and other materials regarding homeless students are available from the regional coordinator by visiting http://homeless.center-school.org
District enrollment policies
To assure that homeless students will not be denied immediate enrollment due to any requirements including, but not limited to:
Immunization records
Medical records
Residency (Note: districts must not contact landlords of host families due to federal privacy rights of educational records -however, districts may request emergency contact information from the parents, guardian or youth)
Birth certificates
School records
Uniform or dress code
Rights of homeless students
All homeless students are entitled to and should be advised of their right to:
Attend their school of origin or school of current residence
Remain in their chosen school for the duration of homelessness or the remainder of the academic year if they become permanently housed during an academic year
Immediate enrollment
Immediate access to educational services for which the student is eligible (e.g. Title I, special education, before- and after-school programs, vocational and technical education or gifted and talented programs)
Free meals provided by the district through federal, state or local food programs
Appeal educational placement decisions made by the district
Attend the student’s school of choice pending resolution of enrollment disputes