The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is provided to ensure that each homeless child has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided for other children. Access rights pertain to enrollment, transportation, preschool, and Title 1. If you would like to learn more about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, please contact the homeless education liaison for the Barnstable Public Schools Mary Beth Shea.

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in homeless situations have the right to: 

• Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there.
• Attend either the local school or the school of origin, if this is in their best inter­est; the school of origin is the school the child attended when he/she was perma­nently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled.
• Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents are normally required for enrollment, such as proof of residency, previous school records, or immunization/medical records.
• Enroll, attend classes, and participate fully in all school activities while the school gathers records.
• Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin (within 1 hour).
• Obtain free lunch (and breakfast if offered)
• Receive Title 1, Part A services

 

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