McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento act ensures that displaced children and youth have access to a free and appropriate education.

The McKinney-Vento act defines displaced as children and youth living in the following situations:

• In a shelter
• In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

School-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Eligible children have the right to:

• To continue their education in their district of origin
• To receive transportation to and from school from the location where they are temporarily residing
• Receive free lunch
• Enroll in school immediately or be prioritized on a wait list regardless of necessary documents for enrollment
• Participate fully in the school programs
• Receive assistance with school related expenses
• Receive referrals to community resources

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.

Need Assistance or more information?

• Homeless Basic Education Circulars (BEC) Webpage
• National Center for Homeless Education, McKinney Vento Webpage
• Berks County ICU Student Services Webpage

Contact our homeless liaison, Melissa Laurento at 610-983-4080 ext. 7173 or via email at Melissa.Laurento@rak12.org.

If you need additional assistance with your children’s educational needs, visit the National Center for Homeless Education website, call 1-800-308-2145  or email homeless@serve.org

Housing Resources

• Please call 2-1-1 for housing assistance in Chester County PA 211 Website
• Please call Your Way Home at 610-278-3522 for housing assistance in Montgomery County. Your Way Home Mongtomery County