The Every Student Succeeds Act requires that schools provide students experiencing homelessness with school access and support their academic success. Under this law your student(s) has education rights. Families should know:

• You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school

• Your child cannot be denied school enrollment when school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available

• Your child may be able to remain in the same school (school of origin) even if you move

• When in your child’s best interest, he or she has the right to transportation services to remain in the school of origin

• Schools must provide you with a written explanation if a placement dispute occurs, and you may appeal the school’s decision

• Your child automatically qualifies to participate in free breakfast and lunch programs

• Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal state or local programs for which he/she is eligible.

Your school family is here to help.  Each school is assigned a School Social Worker and a School Counselor.  You may contact the School Social Worker or the School Counselor at your child’s school for assistance.  Contact information can be found on your school's website.

Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

• In an emergency or transitional shelter

• In a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of an adequate alternative 

• In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building

• Doubled up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing or economic hardship

• In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth

This definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:

• Uncertain housing

• A temporary address

• No permanent physical address

Children and youth living in these settings meet criteria for the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness and have special educational rights.