Poolville ISD

The McKinney-Vento Act is the primary legislative designation that authorizes the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. This act began in 1983 and has evolved since then, with reauthorization in December 2015.  In addition to federal legislation, Texas has the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY).

The McKinney-Vento Act aims to support students and families experiencing homelessness. For more information on who qualifies as homeless please review this document. Services are available to families once qualified and determined based on need. The goal is to mitigate any negative impact on student's personal growth and academic achievement in school.   

Anyone who, due to Economic Hardship, lives

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 2001 – Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act – Sec 725

• In a shelter 
• Temporarily sharing a residence with relatives or friends
• In cars, parks, public spaces, bus or train stations, or abandoned buildings
• In motels or hotels
• Migratory children living in these conditions. 

• Homeless children have the right to attend school.
• You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
• Homeless children have the right to stay in their school of origin if their parents choose.
• Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
• Your child has the opportunity to receive transportation services to and from the school of origin.
• Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state, or local programs for which he/she is eligible.
• Children with special education needs between the ages of 3 and 21 are eligible to receive special needs services. If you believe your child may be eligible, please contact your school or the District Liason

• Free breakfast and lunch programs
• Possible transportation assistance for children to remain in their school of origin
• Tutoring programs
• Programs that assist children in learning English
• Gifted and talented programs
• Summer school opportunities
• Pre-school programs
• Homeless assistance programs

• Tell your child's teacher and principal that you are moving, and give them your new address.
• Let school officials know if you want your child to stay in his/her school of origin while you are getting the family stabilized.
• Ask for a copy of your child's school records, including immunizations.
• Provide your child with an opportunity to say goodbye to friends.
• Formally withdraw your student in person.

• Keep a copy of birth certificates and school records accessible.
• Safeguard all health and immunization records.
• Have a reliable person keep a second copy of birth certificates, school records, and health information.
• Enroll children in school as soon as possible.
• Inform your new school about any special education records that pertain to your child.
• TEA TEHCY Support Center
• Poolville ISD Welcome packet for McKinney-Vento

If the District determines that it is not in the student's best interest to attend the school of origin or the requested school, the District shall provide a written explanation, in a manner and form that is understandable to the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth, of the reasons for the decision, including the right to appeal.

If the student, parent, or guardian has a complaint about eligibility, school selection, or enrollment decisions made by the District, that person shall use the complaint resolution procedures set out in FNG (LOCAL), beginning at Level Two. The District shall expedite local timelines in the District's complaint process, when possible, for prompt dispute resolution.

Pending final resolution of the dispute, the District shall immediately enroll the homeless student in the school in which enrollment is sought and permit the student to attend classes, receive the requested services, and participate fully in school activities.

When the principal becomes aware of a complaint, he or she shall notify the liaison for homeless students within one school day. At all times during the dispute resolution process, the liaison for homeless students or designee shall accompany and assist the student, parent, or guardian.

• The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking paperwork normally required for enrollment.
• The right to attend school in his/her school of origin (if this is requested by the parent and is feasible) or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.
• Automatic eligibility for any nutrition services available at the school.
• The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin, if this is requested by the parent and is feasible.
• The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
• The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student's status as homeless is strictly prohibited.
• The posting of homeless students' rights in all schools and other places around the community.