HOMELESS EDUCATION

Education for Homeless Youth and Children Programs

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Act defines “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:  

  • Children and youths who are:
    • sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
    • living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
    • living in emergency or transitional shelters
    • abandoned in hospitals
  • Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
  • Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
  • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above

Homeless children and youth must have equal access to free, appropriate, public education including preschool.  Barriers must be eliminated and local schools must uphold the rights and ensure services are provided for our children and youth.

If you have a concern regarding students and homelessness, we need to work together to support these children and youth.  Specific challenges may include:

  • Not being identified for services
  • Difficulty enrolling in a school without records
  • Difficult attending regularly
  • Lack of transportation
  • Frequent school changes
  • Falling behind in school
  • Not accruing credits on time
  • Lack of basic needs including food, clothing, and adequate housing
  • Stress, depression, trauma
  • Embarrassment and stigma related to their housing conditions

The Riceville Community School District serves all students.  If you have a question or a concern, please contact Michelle Berentsen by email or by phone at 641-985-2288.