• McKinney-Vento Homeless Educational Assistance Act, complete text

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, reauthorized in January 2002, seeks to ensure that homeless children and youth have access to free appropriate public education on an equal basis with other children. Homeless children and youth are defined as follows:
     
    • An individual who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
    • "Doubled-up" families, children in families that live with friends or relatives due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
    • Children and youth living in a shelter, transitional housing, motel, vehicle, or campground;
    • "Unaccompanied youth," children and youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

    Identifying Homeless Children—Signs to Look For:

    • Chronic hunger and tiredness;
    • Erratic attendance and tardiness;
    • Students who have frequently changed schools;
    • Talks about staying with grandparents, other relatives, friends, or in motels;
    • Students who move frequently during the year.