Homeless children have the right to a free, appropriate public education.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001

Homeless Education Information

http://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Homeless%20Education/Pages/default.aspx

Who is considered homeless?

Homeless Children and Youth May be Found Living in the Following Places or Situations:

• Public or private shelters;
• With a parent in a domestic violence shelter;
• Transitional housing programs;
• Public or private places not designated for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations such as; vehicles, parks, hotels/motels, campgrounds, etc.;
• Individuals and/or families staying with relatives or friends due to lack of housing;
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth – a child not in the physical custody of a legal parent or guardian. Includes: runaways, children thrown out or kicked out of their home;
• Children abandoned or separated from their parents;
• Children of migrant families who lack adequate housing

Does residency have to be proven?

No, because homeless families are unable to establish a "home" on a permanent basis, a school cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay the enrollment of school-age children.

What choice of schools do homeless students have?

The law indicates that the local education agency shall, according to the child’s best interest:

(i) continue the child’s or youth’s education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness (I) in any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year;

OR

(ii) for the remainder of the academic year, if the child or youth becomes permanently housed during an academic year; or (II) enroll the child or youth in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.
Is there any reason to delay enrolling a homeless child?

No. The school selected shall immediately enroll the child/youth in school, even if the child or youth lacks records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation. The terms "enroll" and "enrollment" are defined to include attending classes and participating fully in school activities. The enrolling school must immediately contact the last school the child or youth attended to obtain relevant academic and other records. Immunization records can be transferred over the phone from the school nurse of the sending school to the school nurse of the receiving school.