Homeless
All Children and Youth have the right to free, appropriate public education including children and youth with:
- Uncertain housing
- A temporary address
- No permanent physical address
The federal McKinney-Vento Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to lack of housing, does not have a fixed regular, and adequate night time residence. Such children and youth may live:
- In an emergency shelter or transitional housing,
- In a motel, hotel, or campground due to the lack of an adequate alternative,
- In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building,
- Double up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship,
- In these conditions and be a migratory child or youth, or
- In these conditions and be a youth not accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Children and youth living in these settings may meet the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have additional educational rights.
Where can a child or youth without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence attend school?
- The school the child or youth attended before becoming homeless or was last enrolled (school or origin), or
- The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is currently living.
How can delays be avoided when enrolling a student experiencing homelessness in school?
- Enroll the student immediately.
- Contact the previous school and ask that the records be sent electronically or shared over the phone.
- Contact the principal, school counselor, or local homeless education liaison with any concerns.
- Contact the local homeless education liaison to support unaccompanied youth when enrolling in school.
Where can I get help?
Local Homeless Education Liaison
Gerri VanDyke
540-864-8437
gvandyke@craig.k12.va.us
For additional information, visit the Project Hope website or download and print this brochure.
