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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State Guidance and Information

The State Education Department and other state agencies, such as the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) periodically issue policy guidance to address common questions regarding the interpretation or implementation of state education law.

NEW Sample Local Educational Agency Education of Homeless Children Policy [Word doc]

Every LEA should have a homeless education policy to address the needs of students experiencing homelessness in the school district. This is a Sample LEA Homeless Education Policy that school districts may use as a model policy to protect the rights of students covered under the McKinney-Vento Act.

McKinney-Vento Summer School Information [Word doc]

This state-issued memo clarifies the responsibilities of LEAs regarding summer school for students experiencing homelessness.

McKinney-Vento Field Memo, August 2007 [Word doc]

In August 2007, the New York State Education Department issued this Field Memo to clarify temporarily housed students' right to immediate enrollment in and transportation to school.

McKinney-Vento Field Memo, October 2002 [Word doc]

In 2002, the McKinney-Vento Act was reauthorized as part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This memo summarizes the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act to ensure the protection of the educational rights of students experiencing homelessness.

Revision to Q & A on Education of Homeless Students, June 2004 [Word doc]

This revised version of the McKinney-Vento Field Memo of 2002 followed the February 2003 update of the State Regulations regarding students experiencing homelessness.

Title I Program Narrative, 2006-2007 [Word doc]

In order to receive its allocation of Title I funds, an LEA must describe how the district will coordinate with the McKinney-Vento Act when filing its plan with the SEA. This is the New York State plan for LEAs receiving Title I funds.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Administrative Directive—Transportation for Students who are Homeless [PDF]

Under New York State law, in certain circumstances, the local social services is responsible for arranging and paying for transportation to and from school for students experiencing homelessness. Read this Administrative Directive to find out more about when the local department of social services is responsible for a student's transportation.

2007-08 Free and Reduced Price Income Eligibility and Policy Information [PDF]

Students who have been designated as homeless are categorically eligible for free meals offered by the school district. Please view page 12, Section P "Meal Eligibility for Homeless/Migrant/Runaway Children" of this document for more detailed procedural information regarding free meal eligibility for students experiencing homelessness.

Designate School and Medical Powers to Caregivers [Word doc]

The section of the New York State General Obligations Law, "Designation of Person in Parental Relation," creates a limited parental power of attorney by legalizing the practice of parents writing notes to schools or to medical providers to allow others to assume responsibility for their children. This law describes how to designate a person in parental relation, who can be designated, and what parental powers can be designated to the person in parental relation.

New York State Education Department Sample Complaint Form [PDF]

This model form, which includes the elements required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may be used to submit a complaint to the New York State Education Department (SED). Parents, individuals, or organizations may use this form if they believe a school district or public agency has violated a requirement of Part B of IDEA or New York State laws or regulations related to students with special needs.