Homeless Information

Facts about the McKinney - Vento Homeless Education Act:

Part of the Every Child Suceeds Federal Legislation, this law protects homeless students from discrimination and mandates equal access to educational programs and services. Students who are identified as homeless must have barriers to their education removed.

Qualifying

• A student may qualify if he or she is presently:
• Living in a shelter or transitional living program.
• Living in a motel, hotel or campground due to lack of housing (not managers).
• Sharing housing with relatives or others temporarily due to a lack of housing.
• Living at a public place, a park, or in a vehicle or RV.
• Living in an abandoned building.
• A youth not living with a parent or legal guardian and staying with others temporarily, including run aways.
• A child of a migrant worker.
• In other situations that are not fixed, regular, or adequate for nighttime residence.

Students Rights

• Immediate school enrollment 
  • Even without proof of residency, guardianship, immunizations, or school records.
• School choice 
  • Students may choose to stay at the school attended when permanently housed or to enroll in the school where currently living for the remainder of the academic year.
• Free lunches
  • Students are automatically eligible to receive free lunch for the duration of the school year.
• School fee waivers
  • Students have the right to equal access to education and full participation.
• Transportation
  • Transportation is provided for students residing outside of their school’s attendance area.

For Students new to the School District of Janesville contact the New Student Enrollment Office 608-743-5011

For current students, contact your school’s McKinney-Vento Advocate. They can provide the services listed
here as well as referrals to community helping agencies