Information for School-Age Youth
Rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
Accessible text version
If you live in any of the following situations:
- In a shelter
- In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
- In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
You may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
Eligible students have the right to:
- Receive a free, appropriate public education.
- Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
- Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
- Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin—the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled—if that is their preference.
- If the school district believes that the school selected is not in the student’s best interest, the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of the right to appeal its decision.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
- Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the student’s needs.
If you believe you may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available.
Local Liaison: Amber Merrell
918-865-4062
[email protected]
State Coordinator: Tammy Smith
405-522-3260
[email protected]
National Center for Homeless Education:
1-800-308-2145
[email protected]
918-865-4062
[email protected]
State Coordinator: Tammy Smith
405-522-3260
[email protected]
National Center for Homeless Education:
1-800-308-2145
[email protected]
