Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Have the Right to a Free, Appropriate Public Education Presenter:

McKinney-Vento Act: Enrollment

•Requires public schools to immediately enroll students experiencing homelessness even when lacking:

oProof of residency

oGuardianship

oBirth certificates, school records, or other documents

oMedical records, including immunization records

oRequired dress code items, including uniforms


	In reviewing the local district's enrollment requirements, the LEA could highlight the following:
	• Conflict between the federal requirements and local guidelines such that the removal of barriers is necessary (share this with the school board)
	• Alignment between the processes of the local district and the federal act
	• Reference can be made to Article VI of the U.S. Constitution, known as the "Supremacy Clause," which states that federal law supercedes state and local laws and policies

	The LEA could share what alternatives are available such as:
	• No proof of residency—an affidavit could be signed stating that one is currently homeless, doubled-up, or staying at other temporary accommodations.
	• No previous school records—the school can call/fax the previous school and request the records.
	• No immunization records—the school can enroll the student and provide the parent/guardian with information as to where the public health office is located to get the needed immunizations.