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 Form

McKinney-Vento – The Law

McKinney-Vento for Administrators