McKinney-Vento Act & Homeless Students
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and be successful.
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as those students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime abode. Children or youth who live in motels, transitional housing, shelters, the street, vehicles, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations may be considered eligible for McKinney-Vento services. Some examples of children under this definition are:
- Shared Housing - Living with another family
- Children in Shelters - Including transitional living programs
- Children living in motels, hotels, campgrounds.
- Migratory Children
- Children awaiting foster care placement
- Runaways
- Lockouts - Childrens whose parents/guardians will not allow them to live at home
McKinney-Vento Student Rights
- Choice of School
- Immediate Enrollment
- Transportation
- Priority Consideration to Preschool Programs
- Free Lunch & Fee Waivers
- Supplemental Tutoring if Needed
Additional McKinney-Vento Act Information
Homeless Liaison
Joliet Public Schools District 86 has a Homeless Liaison who can help with enrollment issues as well as securing transportation, clothing, and school supplies for homeless students.
Dwayne Williams, Homeless Liaison
815-740-3196, ext. 8233