McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

  • The education provisions of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act (incorporated within No Child Left Behind) ensure educational rights and protections for homeless and unaccompanied children/youth.

    Key Provisions

    Section725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children/youth as individuals lacking a fixed, regular, adequate night-time residence, including. . .

    • children/youth who share housing with others because of loss of housing, economic hardships or a similar reason; live in motels, trailer parks or campgrounds because of lack of alternative adequate accommodations; live in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals
    • children/youth who have primary night-time residence in a place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodation (e.g., cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings)
    • migratory children who live in conditions described above 

    The McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) specifies and protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations. Highlights include. . .

    • Immediate Enrollment: No child will be denied access to school because of their immigration status, temporary living situation, emergency placement by Child Protective Services or similar hardship situation. Please fill out the Student Residency and Assistance Questionnaire (SRQ) here and present to campus Registrar or ask campus Registrar for a SRQ.
    • Choice of Schools: 
      • School the student attended when he/she became homeless (school of origin)
      • School in the zone where the student currently resides
    • Transportation: To and from the school of origin if feasible, in the student's best interest and requested by the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth.
    • Services: Students may receive emergency clothing, work uniforms, school supplies, personal hygiene items or other supplies and services needed.
    • Dispute Resolution: If problems arise between the school and parents or between districts, the parent shall be referred to the district's homeless liaison and the student must remain in school.

Resources

  • Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Program
    HomelessEducation@tea.texas.gov

    Jordan Brown
    TEHCY Program Specialist
    (512) 463-9467  

     

    The Texas Homeless Network provides training and technical assistance statewide, helping service providers and communities better serve the homeless population.

    1713 Fortview Road
    Austin, TX 78704
    Phone: 512-482-8270
    Fax: 512-478-9077

Shelters for Homeless Students | Families

District Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth

  • Lavenda Malbrough
    281-997-4992