What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento) is a federal law that requires each state education agency (SEA) to ensure that children and youth who are experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education, including preschool education, as permanently housed children and youth.
The Office for the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is the SEA for the District of Columbia and works closely with local education agencies (LEAs) to ensure that educational opportunities, supports and services are provided. To learn more about McKinney-Vento and to identify the homeless liaison for your school, please visit OSSE’s Homeless Education Program webpage. You may also contact OSSE’s Homeless Education Program for additional information at (202) 478-5927 or [email protected].
Do I have to prove DC residency if I live in DC, but I am currently experiencing homelessness?
No, students who are currently experiencing homelessness do not have to prove DC residency. The residency requirements include an exemption for students experiencing homelessness. If you have questions about your particular situation, please email [email protected] or contact your school's homeless liaison. If you are unsure of who the homeless liaison is for your school, a list of DC homeless liaisons can be found here.
My family is currently without a home. What address should I list on the My School DC application?
Families who are experiencing homelessness or living in unstable housing situations should list their most stable address and phone number where they can be contacted by phone or mail on the My School DC application. Families may also list the name and contact information of their case manager as a secondary contact on the My School DC application, if applicable.
Whom should be contacted if a dispute arises regarding enrolling a child or youth experiencing homelessness in school or if other assistance is needed?
OSSE’s Homeless Education Program is designed to assist children, youth and their families experiencing homelessness with educational supports. If a child or youth experiencing homelessness is having difficulty enrolling in school, please contact OSSE’s Homeless Education Program at (202) 478-5927 or [email protected] for assistance.