The McKinney-Vento Act: Education Rights and Support
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to the same free and appropriate public education as their peers. Administered through the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program, this act removes barriers to enrollment and academic success.
Confidentiality and Support
Your housing status is strictly confidential. This information is shared only with your student’s school counselor, who will reach out directly to offer assistance and resources.
Who Qualifies for Services?
Under the Act, "homeless" describes individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who are:
- Doubled-Up: Sharing housing with others due to loss of their own home, economic hardship, or similar reasons.
- Temporary/Emergency Housing: Staying in motels, hotels, trailer parks, campgrounds, emergency shelters, or transitional housing.
- Unsheltered: Sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or public spaces.
- Other Circumstances: Awaiting foster-care placement, abandoned in hospitals, or migratory children living in any of the settings mentioned above.
Student Rights and Protections
Eligible children and youth are entitled to specific rights to ensure their education is not interrupted:
- Immediate Enrollment: Students can enroll in school and attend classes immediately, even if they lack the documents normally required (such as immunization records, proof of residency, or birth certificates).
- School Choice: Families can choose to enroll in the local attendance area school or continue attending the school of origin (the school the student attended when last permanently housed).
Note: If a district disagrees with your school choice based on the child's best interest, they must provide a written explanation and inform you of your right to appeal.
- Transportation: Upon request, the district must provide transportation to and from the school of origin.
- Comparable Services: Students are entitled to receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, tailored to their specific needs and the state's challenging academic standards.
For assistance or questions, please contact the Homeless Coordinator: Jen Johnson, johnsonejen@dodgeland.k12.wi.us, 920-386-8293
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