McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act - Parent And Student Rights

General Information

  • McKinney-Vento students shall have “equal access” to the same education as other students.
  • Muscogee County School District assignments are made based on the “best interest” of the student.
  • The student is to be “immediately enrolled” even if medical, academic and residence records are not available.
  • The “notice of the educational rights” of McKinney-Vento/transitional students is disseminated in schools, shelters, community agencies and the parent or guardian is fully informed of all services provided.

If a dispute arises over any issues dealing with enrollment, the homeless student shall be immediately admitted to the school in which enrollment is sought, pending final resolution of the dispute. The student shall also have the rights of a homeless student to all appropriate educational services, transportation , free meals and Title I services while the dispute is pending.

Steps to be taken during the dispute:

  1. The school where the dispute arises shall contact the Homeless Liaison.
  2. The liaison will ensure the student is enrolled in the school of his or her choice and receiving services to which he or she is entitled immediately.
  3. The principal will make a decision of school placement according to the child or youth’s best interest by the end of the next school day.
  4. If the principal cannot resolve the dispute, then the principal will contact the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and arrange a meeting with the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth.
  5. A written statement of the school placement decision and the appeal rights will be given to the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth within 4 days of the initial reported dispute.

*Factors to consider for best interest:

  • age of the child or youth
  • the distance of a commute and the impact it may have on the students’ education
  • personal safety
  • student’s need for special instruction
  • length of anticipated stay in temporary placement
  • time remaining in the school year

If the principal cannot resolve the dispute, then the principal will contact the McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison and arrange a meeting with the parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth.

A written statement of the school placement decision and the appeal rights will be given to the parent, guardian or unaccompanied youth within 4 days of the initial reported dispute.