Homeless Services
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of homeless children and youth so that they may enroll in school, attend regularly, and be successful. The legislation requires a local homeless education liaison in every school district to assist children and unaccompanied youth in their efforts to attend school.
This Act guarantees homeless children and youth the following:
- The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking the paperwork normally required for enrollment
- The right to attend school in his/her school of origin or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing
- The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin
- The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services
- The right to an “equal playing field” and the removal of all barriers to receiving 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
Learn More About the McKinney-Vento Act
Homeless Liason
Every Local Education Agency (LEA) is required by law to designate a local liaison for children and youth experiencing homelessness. District 67 and 115 Homeless Liaison, Natalia Martinez (nmartinez@lfschools.net) serves as the primary contact between homeless families and school staff, along with other service providers.
The liaison also works to make sure that homeless children and youth enroll in school and have the opportunity to succeed academically. The Liaison ensures that students' rights are protected and that the district fulfills its responsibilities under the McKinney-Vento Act. Please contact the Homeless Liaison for more information on services provided by Districts 67 and 115.