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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Title I and Free Meals

Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a federal law, provides funding to states to improve the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. Children and youth experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible for services under Title I services, 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 funding.

2007-2008 Consolidated Application Update [PDF]

Any LEA applying to receive Title I funds must complete the Consolidated Application. The Title I section of the Consolidated Application requires LEAs to describe how the district will coordinate with the McKinney-Vento Act when filing its plan with the State Education Department. The Application also explains that SED requires all LEAs in receipt of Title I funds to have an Enrollment Form or Residency Questionnaire that asks about a student's housing status.

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.

Title I Regulations: Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged [PDF]

The Title I program protects students at risk of failing in school, including students experiencing homelessness. These regulations cover the changes to Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) which were enacted by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.

Title I, Part A Set-Aside for Homeless Students Q & A [PDF]

LEAs receiving Title I, Part A funds must set aside a portion of those funds to serve students who are homeless. This document addresses commonly asked questions about the mandatory set-aside, including how districts may determine how much funding to set aside for students in temporary housing situations.

SED Guidance: 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.

USDA Guidance for Homeless Children in School Nutrition Programs [PDF]

Students who have been designated as homeless are categorically eligible for free meals offered by the school district. This guidance explains the process by which LEA liaisons apply for free meals on behalf of students in temporary housing in the district.