The McKinney-Vento Act was created to address the problems that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school. Under this program, State educational agencies must ensure that each homeless child and youth has access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children. Homeless children and youth should have access to the same challenging student academic achievement standards to which all students are held.

What determines if a student is homeless?
Here are some of the questions that are asked when determining if a student is considered homeless as outlined in the McKinney-Vento Act.  

Where does this student stay the night?

• Temporarily with another family member or friend until they can locate affordable housing.
• In an emergency or transitional shelter.
• In a vehicle, park, campground, or on the streets.
• In a house, building, or trailer without running water or electricity.
• In a hotel or motel.
• With an adult that is not a parent or legal guardian.
• Alone or in different locations, without an adult serving as caregiver
• Where they can find a place to stay at night.

If your family lives in any of the above-mentioned situations, please contact our District Homeless Liaison:  Leah Noland at (580)276-3610 or by email at lnoland@tpsmail.org. You can obtain assistance with enrolling your child, working with the school or other agencies, and for assistance with clothing and/or school supplies.

What is McKinney Vento?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431-11435) defines homeless children or youth as those individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

The McKinney-Vento Act states that children and youth who lack a "fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence" will be considered homeless. The Act does not define those terms. However, the following definitions may provide guidance:

1. Fixed: Securely placed or fastened; Not subject to change or fluctuation. (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.) A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change. (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts and Michigan McKinney-Vento State Plans, 2002.)
2. Regular: Normal, standard; Constituted, conducted, or done in conformity with established or prescribed usages, rules, or discipline; Recurring, attending, or functioning at fixed or uniform intervals. (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.) A regular residence is one which is used on a regular (i.e. nightly) basis. (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts and Michigan McKinney-Vento State Plans, 2002.)
3. Adequate: Sufficient for a specific requirement; Lawfully and reasonably sufficient (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.) An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments. (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts and Michigan McKinney-Vento State Plans, 2002.)

Please contact our McKinney-Vento Liaison, Chad Broughton, at cbroughton@tpsmail.org or (580)276-2630, if you have any questions. You can find more information regarding McKinney-Vento on the Oklahoma State Department of Education website.

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