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McKinney-Vento

McKinney-Vento

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness in U.S. public schools. If your family lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, your pre-school age or school age children may be eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act.

Citrus County Schools provides services which may include, free school meals, transportation to school of origin, additional academic support through tutoring, assistance with clothing, school supplies, and/or additional community resources if needed.

If your family lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, please contact your child's school counselor.

 

Nichelle Mohre-Cassidy
McKinney-Vento Teacher on Special Assignment
(352) 527-0090 Ext. 6312

 

 

McKinney-Vento Program information from Citrus County Schools.

What is the McKinney Vento Program? The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is designed to address problems that homeless children and youth may face when enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under this program, state educational agencies must ensure that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, as other children and youth.

Does my student qualify? The McKinney-Vento Act defines the term undefinedhomeless children and youthsundefined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence, including: children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals; children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings

Student Rights Students (PreK undefined12) have the right to: Continue to attend the last school of enrollment before the loss of housing (school of origin), if that is the parent/ guardianundefineds choice and is in the childundefineds best interest, or the school for which they are zoned for their temporary residence. Enroll and attend classes immediately while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records and other required enrollment documents. If necessary, enroll and attend classes in the school selected by the parent/guardian (school of origin or zoned school), while the school and the parent/guardian seek to resolve a dispute over which school is in the best interest of the child undefined NOTE: This does not mean any school in the district, only the school of origin or zoned school. Receive transportation to the school of origin (if a parent/guardian requests such transportation). NOTE: if the student lives within two miles of the school, then transportation is provided per district policy. Participate in any school programs and receive any school services for which they qualify.

Certified Unaccompanied Homeless Youths Students who are 16 years and older and not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian may qualify for additional supports and be identified as a Certified Unaccompanied Homeless Youth. Contact Us District Student Services 352-527-0090 mohrecassidyn@citrusschools.org www.citrusschools.org Or contact your school counselor or school social worker for more information

Our Services School Readiness We ensure that students in the McKinney-Vento program have access to clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. High school seniors also qualify for SAT/ACT test fees and college fee exemption. Transportation We endeavor to provide out-of-zone bus routes or gas cards to defray the cost of transportation to school when buses are unavailable. Expedited Enrollment Families have a 30 day grace period for providing proof of immunizations, physicals, school records, and birth certificates. Community Resources We connect families with a network of community supports such as food, housing, transportation, substance recovery, and laundry services

To download a printable copy of the above information please select this McKinney Vento Brochure link.