Information for
Parents
If you need further assistance, call
the National Center for Homeless
Education at the toll-free HelpLine number: 1-800-308-2145
If your family lives in any of
the following situations:
- In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or camp ground
- On the street
- In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate
accommodations, or
- Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or
afford housing
Then, your preschool-aged and
school-aged children have certain rights or
protections under the McKinney-Vento
Homeless Education Assistance
Act.
Your children have the right
to:
- Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.
- Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last
attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. If a school
sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the
school must provide you with a written explanation and offer
you the right to appeal the decision.
- Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the
school they last attended, if you or a guardian request
such transportation.
- Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children
cannot be separated from the regular school program because
they are homeless.
- Enrol in school without giving a permanent address.
Schools cannot require proof of residency that
might prevent or delay school enrolment.
- Enrol and attend classes while the school arranges for
the transfer of school and immunization
records or any other documents required for enrolment.
- Enrol and attend classes in the school of your choice
even while the school and you seek to
resolve a dispute over enrolling your children.
- Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children
served in these programs.
- Receive transportation to school and to school programs.
When you move, you should do
the following:
- Contact the school district's local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for
help in enrolling your child in a new school or arranging
for your child to continue in his or her former school.
(Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the
school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)
- Contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping
your child adjust to new circumstances.
- Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for
assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.
Local Area
Contacts:
State Coordinator: