McKinney-Vento Act Basics

If you lost your housing and now live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, camping ground, or temporary trailer; on the street; doubled –up with family or friends; or in another type of temporary or inadequate housing, your child might be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act.

What rights do eligible children and youth have under the McKinney-Vento Act?

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children and youth in homeless situations have the right to:

·         Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there.

·         Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best interest; the school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.

·         Receive transportation to and from the school of origin.

·         Enroll in school immediately, even if they are missing records and documents normally required for enrollment, such as birth certificate, proof of residency, previous school records, or immunization/medical records.

·         Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school gathers records.

·         Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services.

·         Attend school with children not experiencing homelessness; a school may not segregate a student because he or she is homeless.

·         Receive free school meals.

What can your Century High School McKinney-Vento Representative help you do?

The Mc Kinney-Vento Representative can help your child get school supplies, supplemental services, and free school meals, set up transportation to and from the school of origin; and help you find community supports.

For more Information Contact:

maritza.lopez@sausd.us  

1401 South Grand Ave.

Santa Ana, CA 92705