McKinney-Vento Program

Who Qualifies for McKinney-Vento Services?

Under federal law, students who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence qualify for McKinney-Vento services. This includes unaccompanied youth—those not in physical custody of a parent or guardian.

Examples of qualifying situations include:

  • Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.

  • Living in motels, hotels, campgrounds, or trailer parks because there’s no better alternative.

  • Residing in emergency or transitional shelters.

  • Being abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care placement.

  • Residing in places not meant for regular sleeping, such as cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or substandard housing

Rights for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Students eligible under McKinney-Vento have the right to:

  • Continue attending Mountain City Public Montessori, regardless of where they live or how long they’ve been enrolled.

  • Remain in their school of origin—the school they last attended before losing stable housing—if that is in their best interest and feasible.

  • Attend classes in the same settings as students who are not homeless—no separation based on housing status.

  • Participate in all special programs and services, such as free or reduced-price meals, language assistance, special education, vocational programs, and Title I support, based on individual need.

How to Get Support at MCPM

If you believe your child qualifies for McKinney-Vento services, please reach out to:

  • MCPM’s Homeless Liaison, who assists with enrollment, transportation, and access to resources.

  • Local community agencies for clothing, school supplies, housing resources, or medical assistance.

Additional Resources

For Additional Information Concerning McKinney-Vento Rights, Services, and State-level data: