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Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, the term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

The intent of the services provided are to remove barriers to a homeless student’s ability to receive the same free, appropriate public education as is provided other students. It requires that homeless students be provided services comparable to those offered to housed students.

The education provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act, which are now incorporated within the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), ensure educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. The law directly applies to homeless unaccompanied youth who also receive some special attention within the Act.

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The Act’s Key Provisions

The McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) specifies and protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations. Highlights include:

• Immediate Enrollment – The right to be enrolled immediately in school, without immunization or academic records, and birth certificate, regardless of district policy.
• Transportation – Students in highly mobile or homeless situations are entitled to transportation to and from the school of origin, if it is feasible, in the student’s best interest, and requested by the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth.
• Services – Students experiencing homelessness are entitled to the same programs and services that are available to other children in the District, such as gifted and talented education, special education, vocational education, English Language Learner services, and tutoring. Students are automatically eligible for Title I services and Districts must set aside funds as necessary to provide services.
• Dispute Resolution – If problems arise between the school and parents or between districts, the parent shall be referred to the school’s homeless liaison. In the meantime, the student must remain in school and receive transportation.

Other Provisions Included

• Free meals (Breakfast and Lunch)
• Child Nutrition Services webpage
• Backpacks/School Supplies
• Tutorial Services
• Summer School Tuition
• School Supplies
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Transportation to/from school of origin, if requested by parent/unaccompanied youth, and feasible.
• Transportation Department webpage
• Vouchers for the ����logo�����ѹۿ� Clothes Closet

• Breakfast & Lunch Menus
• Health Services and Immunization
• School Bus Locator
• Leander Clothes Closet
• Parent and Student Handbooks
• Home Access Center
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2-1-1

A free service of the Texas Health and Human Service Commission. If you dial 2-1-1 on your phone or visit  online, you will be connected to other free social services in your local area such as food banks, shelters, rent or utility assistance, counseling, childcare, services for seniors and the disabled, and disaster relief.

Food Benefits

is a Federal program that offers free groceries and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, and breastfeeding women, infants (up to 1 year), and children (up to their 5th birthday). For more information about , call 1-800-942-3678.SNAP, food stamp program, is available for qualifying low-income families. or by calling 2-1-1.

Health Insurance Options

Children under age 19 of families with limited income and resources may qualify for Children’s Medicaid. Many health services are covered, but you must reapply for coverage every 6 months. If you earn too much money to qualify for Medicaid, your children may still qualify for CHIP, . SKIP, State Kid’s Insurance Program, covers the children of state employees who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid. For information on this program, contact TexCare at 1-800-647-6558.

Car Seats

Safe Riders is a program of the Texas Department of Transportation and Department of State Health Services. Low-income applicants can receive a free car seat after attending a one-hour education class. Certain restrictions apply, call 1-800-252-8255 for information.