Homeless Program
McKinney-Vento/Homeless Assistance Program
Student Engagement Specialist
District Homeless Liaison
Marie LeBlanc
marie_leblanc@engschools.net
303-806-2018
Homeless children and youth have rights under Federal law:
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Who is a homeless student?
Any displaced child or youth who is living:
- in a shelter,
- in a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation,
- in a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station, or
- doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship.
Which school can a homeless student attend?
A student who qualifies as homeless may attend either their neighborhood school or the school they attended prior to becoming homeless. The neighborhood school is the one that serves the address where the student is currently living; the prior school is also known as the school of origin.
Who decides which school a homeless student will attend?
It is up to the parent, the school and the District Homeless Liaison to decide what’s in the student’s best interest.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation may be provided to the school which is determined to be in the child’s best interest. Contact the District Homeless Liaison for more information on setting up transportation.
Does the student/family need to prove residency?
No. Schools must enroll homeless students right away, with or without records of residency. Homeless status should always be determined in conjunction with the District Homeless Liaison.
Can school fees be waived?
Yes. If you cannot afford fees they may be waived.
Is there a right to appeal?
Yes. A parent/guardian may appeal any decision regarding a child’s education. For example, if you disagree with a decision about school enrollment, school transportation or waiver of fees, you can appeal. Contact the District Homeless Liaison or the Student Services Department to begin the appeals process.
Revised 11.2018