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Special Education & Support Services

Homeless

McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This legislation requires that all homeless children and youth have the same access to a free, appropriate public education as other children and youth in Vermont. The goals of this legislation include:

  • Identifying homeless children and youth
  • Immediate enrollment and facilitation of enrollment disputes
  • Ensuring access to school and appropriate educational services
  • Reducing school transfers and supporting educational stability and continuity
  • Increasing parental choice and involvement regarding school enrollment
  • Ensuring the educational rights of an unaccompanied youth, and
  • Providing information about the rights of homeless children and youth

Eligible children have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate education
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
  • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is the preference.
    • If the school system believes that the school selected is not in the best interest of the children, then the school system must provide a written explanation of its position and inform families of the right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to children’s needs.

For more information on Education for Homeless Children and Youth visit Agency of Education: Homeless Education or contact the Winooski School District’s Homeless Liaison, Katherine Blair, Director of Support Services, at (802)383-6085

 

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