MAGDALENA

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that protects the right of homeless children and youth to receive a free and appropriate public education. The law ensures that homeless children have access to the same educational opportunities as their peers who are housed, and that they can succeed academically. Here are some of the rights that the McKinney-Vento Act provides to homeless children and youth:

• Enrollment: Children experiencing homelessness can enroll in school immediately, even if they don't have all the required documentation.

   

• School of origin: Children can remain in their school of origin if it's best for the

• Transportation: Children are entitled to transportation to and from school.

• Best interests: Schools and states must use child-centered decision making when working with homeless children and their families. 

  In New Mexico, every school district and state charter school must have a designated homeless liaison, even if they don't receive McKinney-Vento funding. Eligibility determinations should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the circumstances of each student.

https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/bureaus/identity-equity-transformation/at-risk-intervention-response-bureau/ehcy-program/

Micheon Shellhorn

McKinney Vento, Program Coordinator

micheon.shellhorn@magschools.us