Homeless
September 15, 2005
Information for School-Aged Youth
If you live in any of the following situations:
* In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
* On the street
* In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations, or
* Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
Then, you have certain rights or protections
under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
Assistance Act.
You have the right to:
* 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.
* 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.
* Ask the local liaison for homeless education, the shelter
provider, or a social worker for assistance with clothing
and supplies, if needed.
If you need further assistance, call the
National Center for Homeless Education
at the toll-free HelpLine number:
1-800-308-2145
