McKinney-Vento Homeless Ed. Assistance Act for Students Experiencing Homelessness
We understand that stable housing should never be a prerequisite for equitable access to education. We believe school is a sanctuary of purpose, connection, and growth for every child, regardless of their housing status. Our commitment to the whole child means ensuring that students experiencing homelessness are welcomed, supported, and included in every aspect of school life—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our approach is also rooted in Restorative Practices and MTSS, which promote dignity, equity, and proactive support. Every student has the right to learn in an environment where they are seen, heard, and celebrated—not judged by circumstances beyond their control. Fun, belonging, and opportunity must be accessible to all, and our schools work to remove barriers that can marginalize or exclude.
Registration Documents
Definition of Homelessness
We follow the federal definition under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, which defines homeless students as those lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who:
- Live in shelters, transitional housing, cars, parks, or campgrounds
- Are doubled-up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing or financial hardship
- Live in motels or temporary housing
- Are unaccompanied minors (not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian)
- Are migratory children living in any of the above conditions
Rights and Protections for Students Experiencing Homelessness
All of these rights are protected by 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq. and monitored by each state’s education department and the U.S. Department of Education. Under McKinney-Vento, all homeless students are entitled to:
- Immediate Enrollment: Even if they lack documentation such as immunization records, birth certificates, or proof of residence
- Continued Enrollment in School of Origin: If it is in the student’s best interest
- Transportation Assistance: To and from the school of origin, when feasible
- Access to Meals and Programs: Including free school meals, athletics, activities, and academic supports
- Full Participation: In all school programs, including advanced coursework, special education, 504 services, and extracurriculars
- Dispute Resolution Process: If disagreements arise between the family and school
Support Services Provided by CLSD
All supports are confidential, non-punitive, and delivered in a trauma-informed, respectful manner. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by homeless students, our schools provide comprehensive and flexible supports, such as:
- A dedicated McKinney-Vento Liaison who oversees identification, enrollment, services, and family support
- Coordination with community agencies for food, shelter, medical care, and transportation
- School supplies, technology access, and hotspot loans as needed
- Counseling services and check-ins with the Student Support and Success (MTSS) Team
- Flexible learning schedules and adjusted expectations when housing circumstances interrupt learning
- Prioritized access to intervention programs, tutoring, mental health supports, and graduation planning
- Support for unaccompanied minors to enroll, access resources, and identify an educational advocate
Parent and Student Rights Information
Families and students receive a copy of their rights under McKinney-Vento in their home language upon identification. Interpreters and translated materials are always available. No student is ever required to share personal housing details with peers or staff not directly supporting their educational success. Families are encouraged to contact their school’s liaison or MTSS Team with any concerns, changes in housing, or to request assistance.
Identification and Referral Process
Once identified, students are immediately enrolled and connected with supports. Consent is not required to initiate services under McKinney-Vento, but families retain full rights to decline participation in available supports. We use a combination of methods to identify eligible students, including:
- Self-report on the school enrollment form
- Staff referrals based on changes in engagement or attendance
- Collaboration with community partners and housing programs
- Regular MTSS team check-ins and attendance data reviews
Coordination with Other Programs
Homelessness does not disqualify students from any service. Rather, we view McKinney-Vento status as an opportunity to proactively connect students with all resources available.
Students experiencing homelessness remain fully eligible for:
- IDEA (Special Education) and Section 504 accommodations
- ELD/ESL services
- Title I, Title III, and Migrant programs
- Gifted and Talented services
- CTE and advanced coursework
- Graduation support and credit recovery
Federal Law:
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.)
- Title I Part A – Education of Homeless Children and Youth
- ESSA regulations regarding school of origin, dispute resolution, and data collection
Oregon
- ORS 339.133 – Student residency requirements and school of origin
- OAR 581-021-0049 – Enrollment of homeless students
- ODE McKinney-Vento Program Guidance
- CLSD must report homeless student counts and services to ODE annually
Restorative and Trauma-Informed Framework – Experiencing homelessness is not a cause for discipline or stigma. Instead of penalizing students for late work, disengagement, or attendance drops due to instability, we apply a Restorative Lens and seek to understand root causes.
Our MTSS Team as McKinney-Vento Liaison
We affirm that every student belongs, regardless of where they sleep at night. Possible activities to support students:
- Host Restorative Circles and 1:1 problem-solving sessions
- Adjust workloads and timelines without punitive grading
- Reconnect students with purpose, fun, and their school identity