McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. The McKinney-Vento Act is designed to address the challenges that homeless children and youth face in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. To be eligible to receive assistance, the McKinney-Vento Act defines:

• Homeless Children and Youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. 

• Unaccompanied Youth as a homeless child (under the age of 18 years) not in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian.

The McKinney-Vento Act guarantees key protections and rights for students experiencing homelessness under its definition including:

• Immediate enrollment in school, even if they lack typical documents
• School selection: school of origin or school of residence 
• Transportation to school of origin, if feasible and in their best interest 
• Access to services and programs available to non-homeless students
• Dispute Resolution if there is a disagreement between Leading Edge Academy and parent/guardian (or unaccompanied youth)

For Unaccompanied Youth:

• Right to enroll without consent of parent/guardian.
• Access to the same protections and services as other homeless children and youth.