MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE ACT
Every Child Without a Permanent Home has a Right to an Education

If you live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, campground, on the street, in an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations; or with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing, then your child has certain rights and protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act.

Your child has the right to:

• Access the same free and appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to all other children
• Remain in the school he/she attended before becoming homeless
• Receive transportation to the school he/she attended before becoming homeless or the school he/she last attended if you or a guardian requests such transportation
• Enroll in school without giving a permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment
• Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment
• Enroll and attend classes in the school of your choice even while the school and you seek to resolve disputes over enrolling your child
• Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children

Other helpful resources
The Department of Education State Coordinator
(781) 338-6294
pcirioni@doe.mass.edu
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
(866) 205-1700 x100 Toll Free
mahomeless.org