Information for Parents Regarding Homeless Children and Youth

Homeless Children and Youth (McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act):

Homeless children and youth are to have equal access to the same free, appropriate, education provided to other children and youth.  Oakville School District received a grant to provide support and services to our homeless youth.

Parents who find themselves and their student(s) homeless are encouraged to call Penny Reintz, Oakville School District Student Services liaison, at (360) 273-5947.

If your family lives in any of the following situations:

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle or campground
• On the street
• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodation, or
• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing.

Then, your preschool-aged and school-aged children have certain rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

Your children have the right to:

1. Go to school, no matter where you live, or how long you have lived there.  They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.
2. Continue in the school they attended before you became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible.  If a school sends your child to a school other than the one you request, the school must provide you with a written explanation and offer you the right to appeal the decision.
3. Receive transportation to the school they attended before your family became homeless or the school they last attended, if you or a guardian requests such transportation.
4. Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless.  Children cannot be separated from their regular school programs because they are homeless.
5. Enroll in school without giving a permanent address.  Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay enrollment.
6. Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
7. Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve a dispute over enrolling your child.
8. Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
9. Receive transportation to and from school and school programs.

When you move, you should do the following:

1. Contact the school district’s local liaison for homeless education (see phone number below) for help in enrolling your child in a new school or arranging for your child to continue in his/her former school (or someone at a shelter, social services office, or the school can direct you to the person you should contact).

2. Contact the school and provide any information you think will assist the teachers in helping your child adjust to new circumstances.

3. Ask the local liaison for homeless education for assistance with clothing and supplies, if needed.  Local area contact: Penny Reinitz (360) 273-5947

If you need further assistance, call the National Center for Homeless Education at the toll-free number: 1-800-308-2145.