Resources for Children, Youth and Their Families Experiencing Homelessness

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.

Wahkiakum School District's Homeless Program Objectives

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 district Superintendent, Ric Palmer.

Policy 3115, Procedures, Forms and Resources

Listed below are links to documents describing policies, procedures and eligibility forms related to Policy 3115 for Homeless Students, along with links to a variety of resources related to the McKinney-Vento Program.

Policy 3115

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

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 

Homeless Student Intake Form (opens a fillable PDF) 
       Helps Identify Other Services Homeless Students May Be Eligible For Under the McKinney-Vento Act

More Resources for Homeless Students and Their Families

Here are additional resources you may find useful for enabling homeless children and youth to receive all the protections and services necessary to help them to succeed in school.

State of Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction 
       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 Parent Brochure: What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School 
       National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) Brochure - Services and Helpline 
              Supporting the Education of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness 

Washington State Department of Early Learning 
       WA State Dept of Early Learning: Child Care Brochure 
              Are You Homeless? Do You Need Child Care? 

Looking for housing? If you have served in the US Military, the Longview Housing Authority's (LHA) Veteran Integration Program (VIP) may be able to help you. To learn more, download this flyer about the Veterans Integration Program, then call the LHA-VIP program directly at 866-255-2799 or 360-423-0140.

Need More Information? Have a Concern?

For any other questions you may have about about the Wahkiakum School District's policies and programs for homeless students or about your child's eligibility and what services they and your family may have access to, please contact Wahkiakum School District.