McKinney-Vento

McKinney-Vento Coordinators

IDOE State Coordinators

Lake Ridge New Tech Schools McKinney-Vento Liaison

How can we help?

The McKinney-Vento Grant supports educational agencies ensure that each child in a homeless situation has equal access to public education. Transportation, school uniforms, food pantry, and other services are supported through the McKinney-Vento Grant.  If you need more information about McKinney Vento, please contact Aritya Nash, your School Counselor, or the School Home School Liaison to assist. Additional information about McKinney-Vento can be found on the IDOE McKinney-Vento Website.

What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

If you lose your housing and now live in a shelter, motel, vehicle, camping ground, or temporary trailer; on the street; doubled-up with family or friends; or in another type of temporary or inadequate housing, your child might be able to receive help through a federal law called the McKinney-Vento Act.

Rights of students in homeless situations:

  • Go to school, no matter where they live and how long they have lived there.
  • Attend either local school or school of origin, if this is in the child's best interest.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin.
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if missing records and documents normally required for enrollment.
  • Enroll, attend classes, and participate in school activities while the school gathers records.
  • Attend school with students not experiencing homelessness; a school can not segregate a student due to homelessness.
  • Receive information and services to support student success.

Whom do I contact to help if I need assistance?

Every school has a homeless education liaison. This person can assist you with enrollment and support services for your student(s). If you have questions or need guidance, please contact Lake Ridge New Tech Schools' liaison Artiya Nash at 219-989-7820.

Dispute

If you and the school disagree, the school district has to tell you in writing why it thinks that your child should go to a different school than the one you want. The district will also state to you in this letter how you can appeal this decision. Your child can still enroll in, attend and participate fully in the school you think is best for him or her while the disagreement is being settled.

What can I do to help my student?

  • When you enroll your student in a new school, ask to meet with the teacher(s). Give the teacher(s) information about how your child learns. Check in with the teachers about how your student is adjusting. Ask about the schoolwork your student is doing.
  • Meet the school counselor. She can help your child deal with the changes and challenges he or she is facing. Share information about how your student is acting at home or things that are happening at home that could be affecting schoolwork and behavior.
  • Get to know others at the school that your student meets daily such as the principal, dean, school nurse, attendance officer, office staff, bus driver and social worker, etc.
  • All school and district staff can help make sure your student gets the services he or she needs to do well in school. You are an important partner in your student's schooling and are encouraged to work as a team with the school and school district. Get involved as a parent. Volunteer and participate in school activities.

Links & Documents

State & Federal Resource Directory