Homeless Rights and Services Program: McKinney-Vento Act

Resources for Children, Youth and Families Experiencing Homelessness

 The WSD Student Housing Questionnaire will determine whether a student qualifies for services and support under this program.
 

As described by the State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

The goal of the Wahkiakum School District Homeless Program and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is to keep students in school. We also want to assist families in staying involved in their children's education and reducing risks they may face.

Along with self-identification and referrals, our McKinney-Vento/Homeless Liaison or designee will utilize the WSD Student Housing Questionnaire to determine whether a student qualifies for services and support under this program.

As described in Wahkiakum School District's Policy 3115, to the extent practical and as required by law, the district will work with homeless students and their families to provide them with equal access to the same free, appropriate education (including public preschool education) provided to other students. Special attention will be given to ensuring the identification, enrollment, and attendance of homeless students not currently attending school, as well as mitigating educational barriers to their academic success. Additionally, the district will take reasonable steps to ensure that homeless students are not stigmatized or segregated in a separate school or in a separate program within a school on the basis of their homeless status.

Do You Know a Child, Youth or Family Who is Homeless or At-Risk?

If you are working with children, youth, or their families who are experiencing homelessness, please direct them to our McKinney-Vento Liaison, Renea Freeman at rfreeman@wahksd.k12.wa.us.

Listed below are links to policies, procedures and eligibility forms related to Policy 3115.

Eligibility and Intake Forms

Visit OSPI Resources to download versions of these forms in Spanish and other languages.

Student Housing Questionnaire (opens a fillable PDF)
       Helps Determine Eligibility for Services Under the McKinney-Vento Act

Policy and procedures

Policy No. 3115: Homeless Students: Enrollment Rights and Services
Procedures Related to Policy No. 3115: Identification, Placement, Enrollment, Liaison, and Dispute Resolution Process
Appeal/Petition Form Regarding a Decision Affecting a Homeless Student Related to Policy No. 3115

Listed below are additional resources for homeless children and youth to receive all the protections and services necessary to help them to succeed in school.

       OSPI Center for Education of Homeless Children and Youth
       OSPI Resources for Homeless Students and Their Families

       The National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
       NCHE Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program
       National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) Homeless Children with Disabilities

      Washington State Department of Early Learning
      WA State Early Learning and Assistance Program

For additional questions about the Wahkiakum School District's policies and programs for homeless students, please contact Renea Freeman.