McKinney-Vento Services for students in temporary housing situations
What is McKinney-Vento?
- Stewart B McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was signed by President Reagan and became law on July 22, 1987
- the Act required states to ensure that all children experiencing temporary housing have the same right to a free and appropriate public education as children not experiencing housing issues.
- In 1990 Congress expanded the state’s responsibility to eliminate all barriers to education
- In 1990 funding was made available through the McKinney grant to help provide and array of educational and support services responsive to the needs of students experiencing housing issues.
- All school districts are required to have someone on staff responsible for ensuring that students in temporary housing are able to attend school and eliminate barriers to their education
- It is currently named the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act
Which students qualify for services?
- Students who do not have a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence qualify for services
- Examples but not limited to:
- Shelters
- Motels/hotels
- Living with friends or relatives due to economic difficulty
- Living in a campground or campsite
- Unaccompanied Youth (young persons not in the care of an adult)
What should you do if you think your student might qualify?
- All schools in the Rapid City School District have the McKinney-Vento Verification of Eligibility form
- Ask the school office staff for the form and complete it
- Return the form to school
- One of the McKinney-Vento staff will contact you to discuss your situation and decide if you qualify
- If you qualify support for your student will begin
- If it is determined that you do not qualify but you disagree contact the McKinney Vento Coordinator or the office of Federal Programs
–McKinney-Vento Coordinator 605-431-8414
–Federal Programs and Grants 605-394-6892
If your student qualifies what kind of services are available?
Services are dependant on the needs of each individual student
- All students are able to enroll and attend school immediately
- All students qualify for free lunch
- All students receive backpacks and school supplies
- Some students qualify for additional services that are necessary to eliminate barriers to school attendance and school success
A few examples:
–help with transportation
–clothing voucher - Many students and their families are referred to other agencies for additional services provided in the community
What does McKinney Vento not do?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act does not provide funding for:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Medical services
- Cell phones
- Storage rent
- Motel rent
Just need to discuss your student’s situation with someone?
The McKinney-Vento Coordinator is available on all days that school is in session 8 am to 4 pm.
The office is located in General Beadle school at 10 Van Buren
You may call the General Beadle office at 605-394-1841
or the cell phone for the Coordinator is 605-431-8414
Of course your school principal or counselor is also available if you prefer to discuss the situation with them first.
McKinney-Vento for Administrators