The McKinney-Vento Act

On July 22, 1987, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act became public law. This was the first comprehensive federal law dealing with the problems of homelessness in America. Recently included in the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, it is now called the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110). Subtitle B covers the Education for Homeless Children and Youths (Sec. 721-726).

Some provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act regarding education:

• Homeless children have the right to attend their original school, or the school in the area where they are currently living. This continues for the duration of their homelessness, or, if the family finds permanent housing, until the end of the school year.
• The school selected should immediately enroll the homeless child or unaccompanied youth, even if the child is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation.
• In the case where the educating district is different than the district where the student is temporarily residing, both districts are responsible for the facilitation of transportation that is in the best interest of the student.

Under USDA Guidelines

• Homeless students immediately receive a daily free school lunch upon their enrollment; applications do not need to be completed.

For more information about the rights of homeless students in Berks County, please contact Beth Winterbottom, site coordinator, by phone at 610-987-8509, by fax at 610-987-8400, or via e-mail at betwin@berksiu.org.

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