What is McKinney-Vento?McKinney-Vento refers to students experiencing homelessness or families in transition. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), this law protects eligible students from discrimination and mandates equal access to educational services. The law mandates schools designate someone to be a "homeless liaison" to act as the contact for families in transition and community agencies serving these families.
A student may qualify if they are currently:
- Living in a shelter
- Share housing with relatives or friends due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of adequate housing
- A youth not living with a parent or guardian who meets the definition under the McKinney-Vento Act.
- Migratory children who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances stated above.
- In other situations that are not fixed, regular, or adequate for night time residence
McKinney-Vento Students have the rights to:
- Immediate school enrollment: Even if they lack proof of residency, guardianship, immunizations, or school records
- Transportation: While students are in unstable housing, transportation is provided for students residing outside of attendance area
- School Fee Waivers: Students have the right to equal access of education
- School Choice: Students may choose to stay at the school attended when permanently housed or to enroll in the school where they are currently living for the remainder of the academic year
- Free Lunch: Students are eligible to receive free school lunch immediately upon their enrollment and/or identification as being in a homeless situation.
Contact Information
Please contact WCSD’s Homeless Liaison, Makenzie Lutz, at 608-849-1800 or your school social worker if you think you may qualify for services under McKinney-Vento.
