McKinney-Vento Act

Homeless Student Eligibility Policy

The Board recognizes the importance of requiring and maintaining necessary records for all students. However, the Board also recognizes the importance of removing barriers for homeless students to enroll and participate in school.  “Homeless students” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and includes children who are:  

1. Living with a friend, relative, or someone else because they lost their home or can’t afford housing
2. Staying in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping ground due to the lack of alternative accommodations
3. Living in a transitional shelter
4. Living in a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
5. Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless students are entitled to immediate enrollment and full participation even if they are unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, birth certificate, or other documentation.  42 U.S.C. Section 11432 (g) (3)(C) and (g)(1)(H)(I)

1. Homeless students shall be enrolled immediately.
2. Homeless students will be granted full participation in school activities and programs. They cannot be excluded based on their inability to present the following information:
   • Immunization records
   • Medical records
   • Birth certificate
   • Previous school records or transcripts
   • Guardianship records
   • Proof of residency
   • Other required documentation
3. Homeless students have three options for choice of school to attend:
   • School of origin (the school the child has attended when permanently housed),
   • School of origin (the school the child last attended)
   • The school closest to the shelter or other temporary housing. “School of Origin” means the school the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled.
4. The school will continue efforts to assist the student in completing necessary and important records especially all immunization information.