Homeless Education
Resources and rights for students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Mission
The LEA shall provide an educational environment that treats all students with dignity and respect. Every student experiencing homelessness shall have access to the same free and appropriate educational opportunities as students who are not homeless.
McKinney-Vento Definition of Homeless
The term 'homeless children and youth' means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. A student may be considered eligible for services as a 'Homeless Child or Youth' under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act if presently living in one of the following situations:
- Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations
- Having 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
- Is a migratory child who qualifies as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described above
McKinney-Vento Mandated Rights
Immediate Enrollment
Documentation and immunization records cannot serve as a barrier to the enrollment in school.
School Selection and Maintained Enrollment
McKinney-Vento eligible students have a right to select from the options outlined below. Students may remain enrolled in their selected schools for the duration of homelessness, and until the end of the academic year upon which they are permanently housed.
Transportation Services
McKinney-Vento eligible students attending their School of Origin have a right to transportation to and from the School of Origin.
Participation in Programs
McKinney-Vento eligible students are guaranteed the right to services comparable to services offered to other students in the school.
Unaccompanied Youth
McKinney-Vento eligible students are guaranteed the right to immediate enrollment without proof of guardianship.
Access to Extracurricular Activities
Removal of barriers to accessing academic and extracurricular activities for homeless students who meet relevant eligibility criteria.
Dispute Resolution
If you disagree with school officials about enrollment, transportation, or fair treatment of a homeless child or youth, you may file a dispute with the school district by contacting the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison within seven (7) business days.
LEA Homeless Liaison
Jaci Tanner
Destiny School
798 Prickly Pear Drive, Globe, AZ 85501
State Homeless Education Program Coordinator
Arizona Department of Education
1535 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007