MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS ASSISTANCE ACT

Per the Indiana Department of Education

Know your rights:

The McKinney-Vento Act provides certain rights for homeless students. They include waiving certain requirements such as proof of residency when students are enrolling and allowing categorical eligibility for certain services, such as free textbooks. The Act also states:

  • Homeless students may attend their school of origin or the school where they are temporarily residing;

  • Homeless students must be provided a written statement of their rights when they enroll and at least two times per year;

  • Homeless students may enroll without school, medical, or similar records;

  • Homeless students have a right to transportation to school;

  • Students must be provided a statement explaining why they are denied any service or enrollment;

  • Students must receive services, such as transportation, while disputes are being settled;

  • Students are automatically eligible for Title I services;

  • School districts must reserve a portion of Title IA funds to serve homeless students;

  • School districts must review and revise policies that provide barriers to homeless students;

  • Schools must post information in the community regarding the rights of homeless students, in schools and other places that homeless families may frequent; and

  • School districts must identify a McKinney-Vento Liaison to assist students.

For more information, please see the links below:

A Parent's Guide to the Rights of Children Experiencing Homelessness

McKinney Vento Legislation

NWSC McKinney-Vento District Plan

INEHCY Homeless Parent Information

INEHCY Homeless Youth Information

IDOE - Indiana Education for Homeless Children & Youth (INEHCY) Website

National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)

National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)

Newsletters and Bulletins

The Homeless Liaison for the Northwestern School Corporation is:

Ericka Echelbarger
Director of Student Services
3431 N Co Rd 400 W
Kokomo, Indiana 46901
(765) 457-8101 ext. 2034

IDOE State Coordinators:

Flora Jones - Director of Student Pathways & Opportunities
Charlie Gibson - Homeless Education Specialist
McKinneyVentoPOC@doe.in.gov
(317) 232-0957