PURPOSE The intent of the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program is to remove all educational barriers facing children and youth experiencing homelessness, with an emphasis on educational enrollment, attendance and success.

WHO QUALIFIES? Children or youth who lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence qualify for the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). This includes children and youth who:

• Share the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason;
• are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
• are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;
• Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• Live in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings; and
• Are migratory children.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary piece of legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Specific provisions ensure the enrollment, accessibility, and educational stability for students lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This Homeless Education Fact Sheet (PDF) provides additional information about Colorado’s McKinney-Vento Program.

As COVID-19 disrupts education, services and life across the country, children and youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability are exceptionally vulnerable. This FAQ offers resources and information on educational rights and protections for students who have experienced housing loss or instability during COVID-19. Visit the following link for more information: https://www.cde.state.co.us/dropoutprevention/covid-faq-mckinney-vento

If you feel your student qualifies under McKinney-Vento for homeless youth support, please contact your school or complete the McKinney-Vento form below and return it to the school.