McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that works to ensure educational stability for homeless youth.  The McKinney-Vento act allows homeless students to enroll in school and receive transportation immediately.  The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.”  Examples of children who fall under this definition include:

(a) Children sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing;

(b) Children living in “motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations”

(c) Children living in “emergency or transitional shelters”

(d) Children whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc.)

(e) Children living in “cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations…”

 Who are Homeless Children and Youth?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and be successful. The legislation requires a local homeless education liaison in every school district to assist children and unaccompanied youth in their efforts to attend school. This act guarantees homeless children and youth 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

  • The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin, if this is requested by the parent.

  • 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.

Below are links to additional information for individuals or families who are experiencing homelessness.

 

Community Unit School District 200 is committed to educating students who meet the guidelines under McKinney-Vento.  If you have further questions regarding homelessness, please contact our District Homeless Liaisons:

Dr. Christopher Silagi, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
Email Christopher Silagi
630-682-2019

Traci Burnham, Social Work Department Chair
Email Traci Burnham
630-784-7226

130 West Park Avenue
Wheaton, IL 60189

FAX: 630-682-2227