Homeless Student Services
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If school-aged children live in any of the following situations:
Then, these children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001. |
CONTACT Homeless Liaison:
Sarah Maxwell smaxwell@gobles.org 269-628-9438 |
They have the right to:
- Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education provided to other students.
- Continue in the school they attended before they became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is the family’s choice and it is feasible. If a school sends the child to a school other than the one requested by the family, the school must provide the family with a written explanation and offer the parent/guardian the right to appeal the decision.
- Receive transportation to the school they attended before the family became homeless or the school they last attended, if the guardian requests such transportation.
- Attend a school and participate n school programs with children who are not homeless.
- Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay enrollment.
- Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for ht transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
- Enroll and attend classes in the school of their choice even while the school and family seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling the children.
- Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other students served in these programs.
- Receive transportation to school and to school programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can homeless children and youth attend school?
A: The school in which the child or youth was last enrolled (school of origin).
The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is temporarily living.
Q: Can students experiencing homelessness be denied enrollment if the parent/guardian does not have proof of residency?
A: No. The parent/guardian may sign an affidavit stating that the family is staying in temporary conditions.
Q: What if the parent/guardian does not have the school records for a child experiencing homeless?
A:
A: The school in which the child or youth was last enrolled (school of origin).
The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is temporarily living.
Q: Can students experiencing homelessness be denied enrollment if the parent/guardian does not have proof of residency?
A: No. The parent/guardian may sign an affidavit stating that the family is staying in temporary conditions.
Q: What if the parent/guardian does not have the school records for a child experiencing homeless?
A:
- Ask that the homeless child or youth be enrolled in school until the records arrive.
- Ask that a student’s immunization records be transferred over the phone from the sending school to the receiving school
- Contact the principal or homeless liaison with any concerns.
Useful Links for Educators and Parents