What is McKinney-Vento?

The Homeless Children and Youth Assistance program at Tarrant City Schools is funded through the McKinney-Vento Act. This federal law is designed to address the barriers that homeless children and youth face in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, State Educational Agencies (SEAs) must ensure that every homeless child and youth has equal access to a free, appropriate public education, including public preschool, just like their peers.

ARP Homeless II Plan

Community Resource Guide

McKenney-Vento Enrollment Decision Explanation Letter

Mckenney-Vento Enrollment Decision Explanation Letter - Spanish

McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution Letter

McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution Letter - Spanish

Who is considered homeless?

Children and youth are considered homeless if they are:

• Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar circumstances (often referred to as "doubled-up").
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to the lack of alternative, adequate accommodations.
• Residing in emergency or transitional shelters.
• Abandoned in hospitals.
• Migratory children living in any of the conditions listed above.

Parents' and Students' Rights:

• The right to receive a free, appropriate public education.
• The right to enroll in school immediately, even without the typical enrollment documents.
• The right to attend school and participate in classes while the school works to obtain necessary documentation.
• The right to enroll in the local school or continue attending the school of origin (the school attended when permanently housed or last enrolled). If the school district believes that the chosen school is not in the student's best interest, the district must provide a written explanation and inform the student of their right to appeal.
• The right to transportation assistance to and from the school of origin, if requested.
• The right to receive educational services comparable to those offered to other students, based on their needs.

This act ensures that homeless students receive the support and resources they need to succeed academically.