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McKinney-Vento Homeless Program

Overview

Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy's McKinney-Vento Homeless Program works to remove barriers to education for students facing precarious housing situations. This page provides information for our educators, parents, and students, and connects families with the support they need.

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001 (paraphrased for clarity):

Students living in emergency, temporary, or transitional housing have the right to the same public education—including preschool—as any other student. Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy is required to remove barriers that make it harder for students in unstable housing to enroll in and benefit from school. No student can be denied enrollment because of their housing situation, and students in precarious housing receive the same educational materials and services as their peers.

Support to Overcome Education Barriers

This applies to youth lacking fixed, regular, or adequate housing due to economic conditions, including students who are:

  • Living doubled up with grandparents, family, or friends due to economic hardship
  • Staying in a motel or hotel because other housing is unavailable
  • A runaway or unaccompanied youth
  • Living in a home for pregnant or unwed mothers with no other housing option
  • Residing in a domestic violence shelter
  • Living in transitional housing
  • Sleeping in public places or abandoned buildings
  • Living in a car, trailer, or campground
  • Staying in housing that is unfit for habitation

 

Rights of Students in Unstable Housing

Students who qualify under McKinney-Vento:

  • May attend either their current school of residence or their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming displaced), based on what's in the student's best interest
  • May enroll without the school, medical, or other registration paperwork typically required
  • May have a right to school transportation
  • May receive textbooks, supplies, and services needed to succeed in school
  • Automatically qualify for Free & Reduced School Meals and Title I services, where needed and available
  • May receive transportation and services while enrollment or placement disputes are resolved

 

Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy's Responsibilities

As a school, Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy must:

  • Reserve a portion of Title I funds to serve students experiencing homelessness
  • Review and revise policies that create barriers for students in unstable housing
  • Post the rights of students experiencing homelessness in our school and other places families frequent
  • Maintain a designated McKinney-Vento liaison to support students and staff

 

CONTACT

Julie Wasson
208.676.1667 x 308
jwasson@cdacharter.org