McKinney-Vento Act Information
The federal McKinney-Vento Act guarantees school enrollment for anyone who, due to a lack of housing, does not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act defines homelessness as living in the following places due to lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence
- In an emergency or transitional shelter
- In a motel, hotel, or campground
- In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building
- Doubled up with relatives or friends
- In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth
The definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:
- Uncertain housing
- A temporary address
- No permanent physical address
Children and youth living in these settings meet criteria for the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have special educational rights. They can attend the school they attended before becoming homeless, or the school in the attendance area where they are currently living.
If you have any questions, please contact the Isle of Wight County Schools' homeless education liaison:
Dr. Jennifer Cary at (757) 357-8848 or [email protected]
If a student/family is found to be in a homeless situation, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act allows enrollment without a permanent address. If you feel your situation would qualify under this provision, please complete the Questionnaire Family/Student Domicile form.
For additional information, see School Board Policy JECA - Admission of Homeless Children.