McKinney-Vinto Homeless Assistance

What are your rights under the law?

You or your McKinney-Vento eligible children have the right to:

• Receive a free, appropriate public education
• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
• Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
• Enroll in the local school; or continue attending the school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference. *If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children's needs. Children with special education needs between the ages of 3 and 21 are eligible to receive special needs services. If you believe your child may be eligible, contact your school or the district Special Education office.

Title IX-A of The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): The Act ensures the educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness and includes:

• The right to immediate enrollment in school even without giving a permanent address.

• The right to attend school in the school of origin (if requested and is feasible), or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.

• The right to receive transportation to the school of origin.

• The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates.

• The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness.

• The posting of homeless student rights in all schools and other places around the community.

If you are living in any of the following situations:

• Shared housing with other friends or families
• Runaway/homeless youth, and students who are not living with a parent or legally court-appointed guardian
• Temporary or transitional housing
• Emergency and domestic violence shelters
• Motels or hotels
• Campgrounds or inadequate trailer homes
• Substandard housing (homes without heat, water, or working appliances)
• Cars, abandoned buildings, parks, the streets or other public spaces

• Idaho Department of Education: Title IX: Education for Homeless Children & Youth Program

• National Center for Homeless Education: The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

• Summary of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

Weiser School District

925 Pioneer Rd.

Weiser, ID. 83672

Phone: 208-414-0616

Fax: 208-414-1265