Navigating the Dispute Resolution Process

School districts may have situations where parents, guardians and/or unaccompanied homeless youth have disagreements with school districts over eligibility, school selection, enrollment or a request for transportation. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act has a provision, the dispute resolution process, to resolve these types of disagreements. As a McKinney-Vento liaison, it is important to be prepared to assist families and follow the steps in the dispute process.

Participants will be able to:

• Identify the LEA and McKinney-Vento Liaison’s responsibilities in the dispute process,

• Describe the steps of the dispute process, including the required documentation and timeline,

• Apply knowledge to sample dispute resolution scenarios,

• Assist families with helpful tips, including how to avoid a dispute, and