MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS EDUCATION

The McKinney-Vento act covers children and youth who don't have a fixed, adequate and regular nighttime residence, such as those living:

  • In an emergency or transitional shelter;

  • With friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship (also known as doubled up);

  • In a motel, hotel or campground;

  • In a car, bus or train station or other public place;

  • In an abandoned building or some other inadequate accommodations; or

  • In temporary situations while awaiting foster care placement.

They can choose from:

  • The school they went to when permanently housed (known as the school of origin);

  • The last school they went to (also known as the school of origin); or

  • The school located in the attendance area where they are temporarily living (known as the local school).

Students in temporary housing have the right to:

  • Immediately enroll in school and attend classes;

  • Get free transportation to the school of origin even if it is in another district;

  • Get free transportation to the local school if transportation is provided to other students;

  • Get special education services immediately if the student has a current IEP (even if the IEP itself is not available or if it si from another district);

  • Participate in any school activity that is available to other students and get transportation to an from all before or after-school activities if it is provided to other students; and

  • Get free school meals without filling out an application.

Each School District in New York State and BOCES has a Homeless Liaison. If you have questions, contact Patricia Wilson, McKinney-Vento Liaison for Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES at 315-867-2021.