Tales from the Field: McKinney-Vento and Homeschooling School-Age Children

What happens if a liaison gets a call about a student that is being home-schooled? Check out the helpline call situation below!

The Tale: A mother with an 8-year-old girl is living doubled up with a relative in the Southern Tier Region. She has decided to homeschool her daughter. Is this family eligible for McKinney-Vento benefits?

Question to ask:

1- If the mother has chosen to homeschool her daughter instead of attending school, is the family McKinney-Vento eligible?

Resources:

1- Review the McKinney-Vento Act and New York State guidance regarding families and McKinney-Vento eligibility. As always, you can find a wealth of resources on eligibility right here on our NYSTEACHS website.

2- After reviewing the rules on eligibility, if you’re still unsure of what to advise, you are absolutely encouraged to call the helpline for assistance: 1-800-388-2014.

1- If the mother has chosen to homeschool her daughter instead of attending school, is the family McKinney-Vento eligible?

Answer:

Children whose parents have chosen to home-school their children are not considered enrolled in an LEA, therefore the continued enrollment provisions of MV and NY Education Law 3209 do not apply. The parent should file the Individualized Home Instruction Plan (IHIP) in the district where the family is living, either temporarily or permanently. The local school district where the family is living is responsible for approving the individualized home instruction plan. NYSED’s Home Schooling webpage provides additional information.