McKinney-Vento

  • McKinney-Vento Program

    The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to a lack of permanent housing, lives in inadequate or temporary settings, such as:

    • Emergency shelters
    • Transitional housing
    • Motels, hotels, campgrounds, etc.
    • Cars, parks, public places, bus/train stations, abandoned buildings
    • Relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship

    Your child can enroll in school even if you have uncertain, temporary housing or no permanent physical address.


    Educational Rights for Students Lacking Fixed, Regular & Adequate Housing

    • You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
    • Your child cannot be denied school enrollment when school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
    • Your child may be able to remain in Educational Rights for Students Lacking Fixed, Regular & Adequate Housing
    • You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
    • Your child cannot be denied school enrollment when school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
    • Your child may be able to remain in the same school (school of origin) even if you move.
    • Your child has the right to transportation services to and from the school of origin.
    • Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, or local programs for which they are eligible.
    • Unaccompanied youth lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing have these same rights.

    The McKinney-Vento Program is run by the Virginia Department of Education. More information can be found on the Project HOPE website.

Resources for Families

  • What You Can Do Before Moving

  • Tips For Families Who Move Often

  • Educational Rights for Students Lacking Fixed, Regular & Adequate Housing: