Support Services

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires that all schools provide homeless students with immediate access to education, even if the child lacks school records, a birth certificate, medical/immunizations documents, or proof of residency. The Haysville Public Schools has a strong commitment to ensure that all homeless children and youth receive a meaningful opportunity to enroll and attend all public schools in the district. The Haysville Public Schools Support Services Office acts as a resource for families in need and school personnel facing questions or assistance related to homeless children and youth. If you would like more information about the Support Services in Haysville contact program director, Linda Long.

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act a student is considered homeless if he or she has lost housing and is presently:

• living in a shelter
• living in a hotel, motel, or a campground due to lack of housing
• sharing housing with relatives or others due to a lack of housing
• living at a train or bus station, in a park, or in a car
• living in an abandoned building
• youth not living with parent or guardian
• in other situations that are not fixed, regular, or adequate for nighttime residence.

Homeless students have right to:

• Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there. They must be given access to the same public education, including preschool education, provided to other children.
• Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school they last attended, if that is your choice and is feasible. If a school sends a homeless child to a school other than the one requested, the school must provide a written explanation and offer the right to appeal the decision.
• Receive transportation to the school they attended before the family became homeless or the school they last attended, if requesting such transportation.
• Attend a school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless. Children cannot be separated from the regular school program because they are homeless.
• Enroll in school without giving permanent address. Schools cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay school enrollment.
• Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of school and immunization records or any other documents required for enrollment.
• Enroll and attend classes in the school of their choice even while the school they are seeking to attend resolves a dispute over the enrollment.
• Receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.
• Receive transportation to school and to school programs.

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