McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Act was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  Everyone who is between the ages of 4 and 21 on September 1st of the school year and has not been expelled has the right to attend school, even if they:

• Do not live with a parent or legal guardian

• Lives temporarily doubled up with friends or family due to loss of housing or economic hardship

• Sleeps in a shelter

• Sleeps in a campground, car, abandoned building, or other place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, regular housing for people

• Lives in substandard housing (no electricity or water)

• Participates in a transitional housing program

• Does not have school records

Service Provided

The Federal McKinney-Vento Act and Texas State Law guarantee that if you meet eligibility requirements, you may:

• Enroll in school even without records

• Continue to attend the school in which you were last enrolled, even if you have moved away from that school's attendance zone or district.

• Receive transportation from your current residence back to your school of origin.

• Qualify automatically for district free or reduced lunch and other district food programs.

• Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which you are eligible; and

• Contact the district liaison to resolve any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.

Resources

• Information for Parents of School-Age Youth (English) (Spanish)

• Information for School-Age Youth (English) (Spanish)

• Center for Transforming Lives

• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth

• National Center for Homeless Education

• Texas Homeless Network

• Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth

Cleveland ISD is committed to identifying and serving all displaced students or those experiencing homelessness. Cleveland ISD may also offer additional assistance to students and their families experiencing homelessness. If you require additional information, contact Mrs. Allison Alpha, McKinney Vento Liaison at 281-592-8717 ext. 1158.