The McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation that has been in effect since 1987 to support children and youth experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act defines ‘homeless children and youth’ as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The intent of the McKinney-Vento Act is to ensure homeless children and youth enroll and succeed in school.

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
• On the street
• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations (lack of heat, water, etc.)
• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing

• Get help with enrolling in school from the district liaison or other school contact to continue academic success
• Continue in the school they attended (referred to as the school of origin) before they became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is the parent’s choice and is feasible
• Get transportation to and from the school of origin
• Receive free school meals
• Receive additional services such as ELL, Special Education, Title 1, preschool, Quest (gifted), career / technical education

• Policy
• Regulations

• National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
• National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
• Energy Assistance through Hopelink

Donna Baillie
Lake Washington School District
425-936-1303

Additional information about homeless services is available through:
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Melinda Dyer
Program Supervisor, McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth
360-725-6505