Homeless Services
November 01, 2005
If your family lives in any of the following situations, then your preschool-aged and school-aged children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act of 2001:
-
In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
-
On the street
-
In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
-
Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
Your children have the right to:
-
Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education provided to other children.
-
Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.
-
Receive transportation to the school your child(ren) attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian requests such transportation.
-
Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
-
Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
-
Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
-
Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling your children.
-
Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
-
Receive transportation to school and to school programs.
When you move, you should do the following:
-
Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling your child in a new school or arranging for your child to continue in his or her former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)
-
Contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping your child adjust to new circumstances.
-
Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.
For more information from the Farragut Community School District, contact Jay D. Lutt, 712-385-8131.
If you need further assistance, call
the
National Center for Homeless Education
at the toll-free Help Line number:
1-800-308-2145
The, above, "Information for Parents" is also available in a PDF format.
