McKinney-Vento Act & Definition of Homelessness
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children or unaccompanied youth as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, which includes:
- Families doubled up with friends or relatives due to loss of housing.
- Children living in motels, hotels, trailer parks and campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.
- Children living in emergency or transitional shelters.
- Children living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, and bus or train stations.
The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children have a right to:
- Attend the school they last attended before they became homeless (school of origin) OR enroll in their neighborhood school.
- Immediate enrollment in school even if they lack required documents, such as school records, immunization records, or proof of residence.
- Free transportation to school of origin, when feasible.
- Free meals at school.
- Assistance for school fees, school supplies, and connecting to social service supports.
To access McKinney-Vento services, call your child’s school or the McKinney-Vento office at 206-631-3256 or 206-631-3225.
Please visit our Homelessness & Education page to learn more.
Rights & Responsibilities
Find Information On:
- Expectations for Staff & Students
- Student Rights
- Student Discipline
- Grievance Procedures