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Family Support Services-McKinney Vento

McKinney-Vento Act: Educational Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq.), students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may have the right to immediate enrollment in school, even if they are missing:

  • Proof of residency
  • Birth certificate
  • School records or transcripts
  • Immunization or other health records
  • Proof of guardianship

Qualifying situations include:

  • Living doubled-up with friends or relatives due to loss of housing or economic hardship
  • Living in a hotel, motel, or temporary housing because of loss of housing or economic hardship
  • Living in a shelter (homeless, domestic violence, youth, or run-away shelter)
  • Living in a car, park, campground, abandoned building, substandard housing, or other place not designed for regular sleeping accommodations

Unaccompanied youth (students not living with a parent or legal guardian) are also protected under the McKinney-Vento Act and may have the right to immediate enrollment.
 

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Parents’ Rights Under the McKinney-Vento Act

If your child is experiencing homelessness, you may have the right to:
Immediate enrollment in school without required documents (such as proof of residency, immunizations, or guardianship papers).

  • Attend the school of origin (the school your child was attending before losing housing or the last school enrolled in) if it is in your child’s best interest.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin if requested.
  • Access free school meals through the School Breakfast and Lunch Programs.
  • Participate fully in all school activities and programs, including sports, field trips, extracurriculars, and special education services.
  • Dispute enrollment or school placement decisions and receive a written explanation of the school’s decision along with the right to appeal.

Additional Supports Available

Students who qualify under McKinney-Vento may also be entitled to:

  • Counseling and academic support services
  • Access to community resources
  • Priority for certain local support programs

How to Get Help

If you believe your child may qualify under McKinney-Vento, please contact your campus counselor or the District Liaison:

Aledo ISD McKinney-Vento Liaison
Lindsay Fuller
lfuller@aledoisd.org

Further information and support can be found at the Texas Homeless Education Office.

Aledo Area Resources: