Homelessness Information
What is McKinney Vento?
This federal act ensures educational rights and protection for youth and children experiencing homelessness.
Who is Homelessness?
The federal McKinney Vento Act was designed to ensure that all students experiencing homelessness have educational rights and protection. Under this act, homelessness is defined as:
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sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
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living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing
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living in emergency or transitional shelters
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living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
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living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places
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living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory
What rights do students and unaccompanied youth have under McKinney Vento Act?
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Immediate School Enrollment:
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Homeless children or youth can enroll at a new school immediately, even if their family is unable to provide the required documents.
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Access to a Free and Appropriate Education:
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School Choice:
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Homeless children or youth can enroll or remain in a school district without a permanent address. Students also have the right to stay within their district of origin (when feasible)
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Free Lunches:
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Homeless students automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch throughout the school year.
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School Fee Waivers:
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Students have rights to equal access to education and full participation
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Transportation:
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Transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities will be proven to a feasible extent.
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How do I access services?
Please contact Karla Trenkamp, Edgewood Colesburg Community School District Homeless Liaison, for more information and referrals to local community agencies. Karla Trenkamp can be contacted at 563-928-6412 or at ktrenkamp@edge-cole.k12.ia.us.
