The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) ensures homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths.  It has most recently been reauthorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA). 

The McKinney-Vento Act mandates a state coordinator in every state, a homeless education liaison in every school district, outlines the rights of homeless children and youth, defines homelessness, and requires collaboration and coordination across agencies and service providers.  It also provides funding for a small competitive grant program for school districts enrolling a significant number of homeless children and youth

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE) assists school districts in the implementation of the McKinney-Vento Act.  This document is intended to advise school districts, homeless families, unaccompanied homeless youth, and homeless service providers on the following provisions of the law:

 I.            Definitions

II.            Homeless Education Liaison - Role and Responsibilities

III.            School Placement, Transportation and Enrollment

IV.            ESE McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution Process

a.      School District Notification to Parent/Guardian of Enrollment Decision Form

b.      Parent/Guardian Appeal of School District Enrollment Decision Form

Additional information, data, and resources are posted on the ESE Homeless Education webpage. ESE provides technical assistance and guidance via 781-338-3700 or compliance@doe.mass.edu.