If your student lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence they may be eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. The purpose of this law is to provide academic stability for students in transition.

A student may be considered eligible if their current living situation is one of the following:

• Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar hardship
• Living in hotels, motels, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters
• Abandoned in a hospital
• Living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building or other inadequate setting

Also, a student may qualify for services as an “unaccompanied youth” if they are temporarily living with someone other than their parent or legal guardian, is moving from place to place, is in a shelter, or otherwise not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian.

Children who qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act have the right to:

• Enroll in school immediately, regardless of a lack of records or other enrollment documentation
• Enroll in school without providing a permanent address or proof of residence
• Enroll in the school they attended when last permanently housed or the school in the attendance area
• Remain enrolled at the school for the duration of the school year
• Receive transportation to and from school if in the best interest of the child
• Receive free breakfast and/or lunch without filling out the application
• Participate in the same programs as other students
• Take part in Title I services, if needed

If you have questions or believe your children may qualify for services through the McKinney-Vento Act, contact the MUSD McKinney-Vento Liaison at 616-3013.