New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students

Students who transfer schools often do worse in school than those who don't transfer. The McKinney-Vento Act can help solve this problem by allowing students to stay in the same school and get free transportation.

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General McKinney-Vento Information

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is federal legislation that discusses the public education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. In January, 2002, McKinney-Vento was reauthorized as Title X, Part C, of the No Child Left Behind Act. Get answers to commonly asked questions about identifying students in temporary housing situations.

Transportation

In most cases, students who are homeless are entitled to transportation to school in order to eliminate barriers to their participation in school. Students attending their school of origin always have the right to transportation to school, as long as it is no more than 50 miles one-way away from where the student is temporarily residing. Students attending their local school have the right to receive the same transportation services offered to permanently housed students in the district. Get answers to commonly asked questions about transportation for students experiencing homelessness.

Data Collection (STAC Forms)

The System to Track and Account for Children (STAC) forms are used by NYSED exclusively for reimbursement purposes. Completed STAC forms will also help school districts meet data reporting requirements, i.e. number of homeless students and living situations of these students. Find answers to commonly asked questions about STAC forms and get copies of the STAC-202 and STAC-4 forms.

Dispute Resolution/Appeal Process

All school districts must follow New York State procedure for when a homeless family or unaccompanied youth and school district disagree about a homeless student's designation, right to school selection, enrollment, transportation, etc. Access the NYS-specific dispute resolution/appeal forms and learn more about the dispute resolution process. Find answers to commonly asked questions about the dispute resolution process and access documents on the dispute resolution process.

Unaccompanied Youth

An unaccompanied youth is a student who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian; this includes youth who have run away from home, been kicked out of their homes, or been abandoned by parents. Find answers to commonly asked questions about unaccompanied youth.

Special Education

Special education offers instruction that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, at no cost to parents. The McKinney-Vento Act, together with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) works to ensure that the needs of homeless students with special needs are met. Find helpful resources regarding the rights of special needs students experiencing homelessness. Find answers to commonly asked questions about special education.

Title I and Free Meals

Children and youth experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible for services under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), whether or not they live in a Title I school attendance area or meet the academic standards required of other children for Title I eligibility. Find answers to commonly asked questions about Title I and free meal eligibility.

Immunizations [PDF]

The McKinney-Vento Act requires school districts to immediately enroll students experiencing homelessness, even if the student is unable to provide documents typically required for enrollment, including immunization records. For more information, please read this letter written by a health care professional regarding immunization for students in temporary housing.