Students Experiencing Homelessness
Parents, students and youth who are homeless, or think they may become homeless, have rights under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Summary of Rights
According to the McKinney-Vento act, homeless students are defined as children who lack a fixed, adequate and regular nighttime residence.
Examples of temporary housing include:
- Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, camping grounds
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Living in a public or private place not designed for sleeping
- Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, etc.
- Migratory living in circumstances described above
Children who meet this definition have rights related to:
- School Choice
- Immediate Enrollment
- Transportation
- Free Meals and Title I Services
- Help from McKinney Vento Liaison
Resources
- Helpline: 800-388-2014
- Tips for Parents and Guardians
- Recomendaciones Para Padres Y Tutores
- Information on children’s educational rights under the McKinney-Vento Act
- NYSteaches.org
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please contact your McKinney-Vento liaison listed below.
Jennifer Raux
McKinney-Vento Liaison
Cazenovia Central School District
jraux@caz.cnyric.org
315-655-1317
