McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that ensures children and youth who do not have permanent housing can go to school and preschool. It gives children and youth rights to enroll in school, stay in school, get transportation to school, and gives these same children access to school lunch programs. If you become aware of students who may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act, or are in need of services for students in your family, please contact the principal of your school or the Medical Lake School District Homeless Liaison, Rob Haugen, (509) 565-3100, with this information.
If your family lives in any of the following situations:
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In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
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On the street
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In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
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Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
Parents:
Your preschool-aged and school-aged children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. Your children have the right to:
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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.
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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.
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Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian request such transportation.
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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.
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Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
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Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
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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.
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Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
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Receive transportation to school and to school programs.
When you move, you should do the following:
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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.
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Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.
School-Aged Youth:
You have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. You have the right to:
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Go to school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there. You must be given access to the same public education provided to other students.
-
Continue in the school you attended before you became homeless or the school you last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. The school district’s local liaison for homeless education must assist you, if needed, and offer you the right to appeal a decision regarding your choice of school if it goes against your wishes.
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Receive transportation to the school you attended before you became homeless or the school you last attended, if you request such transportation.
-
Attend a school and participate in school programs with students who are not homeless. Students 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 enrollment.
-
Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other students 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 in a new school or arranging to continue in your former school. (Or, someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you need to contact.)
-
Tell your teachers anything that you think they need to know to help you in school.
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Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.
Medical Lake School District Contact Information:
- Rob Haugen, Homeless Liaison
- Taylor McFarland, Counselor, Hallett Elementary
- Seth Sammons, Counselor, Michael Anderson Elementary
- Ted Koch, Counselor, Medical Lake Middle School
- Rachael Hoffman, Counselor, Medical Lake Middle School
- Lisa Prewitt, Counselor, Medical Lake High School
- Lori Wilbanks, Counselor, Medical Lake High School
If you need further assistance, please contact: