Who is homeless?

Anyone who, due to a lack of housing, lives:

  • Doubled up with relatives or friends
  • In a shelter
  • In a motel
  • In a vehicle
  • In a campground
  • On the street

Also considered homeless are any unaccompanied youth (children not in the company of a parent or guardian)

Where can homeless children and youth attend school?
  • The school in which the child or youth was last enrolled (school of origin)

OR

  • The school in the attendance area where the child or youth is temporarily living.
Can students experiencing homelessness be denied enrollment if the parent/guardian does not have proof of residency?
  • No. Provisions are made for families who are staying in temporary accommodations.
 What if the parent/guardian does not have the school records for a child experiencing homelessness?
  • The child will be enrolled immediately, and the school will contact the previous school for all required information.
  • Contact your school district, principal, counselor, or local homeless education liaison with any concerns.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Subtitle VII-B, is the federal law that entitles children who are homeless to a free, appropriate public education, and requires schools to remove barriers to their enrollment, attendance, and success in school. Click the arrow to learn more and to access resources for teachers, students and parents.