McKinney-Vento Act

• A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change.
• A regular residence is one that is used on a normal, standard, and consistent basis (i.e., nightly).
• An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments.

The most recently reported dwelling, structure, or location where a homeless student resides during the academic year:

• Temporarily Doubled Up: A temporary residence where a homeless family is sharing the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or other similar reasons.
• Temporary Shelters: A temporary residence provided for homeless individuals who would otherwise sleep on the street, or a temporary residence provided to individuals in emergency situations.
• Hotels/Motels: A temporary residence for homeless individuals usually requiring payment or vouchers for lodging and services on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
• Temporarily Unsheltered: A type of residence for homeless individuals that is not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, campgrounds, trailer parks, bus and train stations, or persons abandoned in the hospital (on the street).
• Missing/Unknown: No dwelling type reported for the homeless student.

The law requires that each school identifies all students experiencing homelessness and unaccompanied youths that are enrolled at the school. The District looks at the following circumstances, indicators, and strategies to identify such students:

• During the enrollment process,
• Administration of the housing questionnaire twice a year: at the beginning of the school year and in January/February through an online questionnaire,
• Staff notices changes in grades, appearance, attendance, behavior (e.g., withdrawn, quiet), and other red flags. A request for a Student Success Team - SST meeting is scheduled.

Under McKinney Vento:

• The student may enroll at the school of residence or the school of origin. The school of origin can be the school the student attended when permanently housed, the last school of enrollment, or a school that the student has a connection to and attended in the last 15 months.
• The school of residence or the school of origin must immediately enroll the student even if the student does not have all the documents necessary for enrollment. This can include school records, health records, proof of residency, guardianship, or other documents.
• The student will be provided transportation to and from the student’s school of origin, as well as access to the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children.
• The District will ensure that students are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their homeless status.

If you are experiencing homelessness, please contact the District’s Homeless Liaison or any of the following staff members at your child’s school:

• Principal and/or Assistant Principal
• School Office Staff
• Student’s Teacher(s)
• MTSS TOSA
• School Counselor
• Community School Coordinator

Complete the Housing Questionnaire

Housing Questionnaire

After completing the form, the Department of Student Services will reach out to you.

The District Homeless Liaison can:

• Facilitate school enrollment, helping families decide which school placement is in the student’s best interest.
• Help students get basic school supplies, supplemental services, and free school meals.
• Set up transportation to and from the school of origin (if eligible).
• Provide students and their family members referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health and substance abuse services, housing services, and other appropriate services.
• Assist, facilitate, and represent a student experiencing homelessness who is undergoing a disciplinary proceeding that could result in the student’s expulsion.

The best ways to support your child(ren) is to:

• Ensure the student attends school daily and on time.
• Keep routines consistent as possible.
• Speak with teachers regularly to discuss the student’s progress.
• Attend school meetings and participate in school events.
• Meet with the school support staff to help the student deal with changes and challenges.
• Advocate for the student to get additional help, if needed (e.g., tutoring, counseling).
• Connect with your school site’s Community School Coordinator or MTSS TOSA to get additional support or resources.