McKinney-Vento

  • The McKinney-Vento Act defines homelessness as children and youth who lack fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

    Youth are considered homeless if there are:

    • Sharing housing with others due to loss of family housing

    • Living in motels or hotels due to a lack of any other housing

    • Living in emergency or transitional shelters

    The McKinney Vento Act supports the education of students experiencing homelessness including the education of unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. ACPS Board Policy JLG outlines the criteria for homeless  CLICK HERE to reach out to the Pupil Personnel Worker who can assist with McKinney Vento determinations and enrollment. ACPS enrollment practices for students experiencing homelessness can be found on HOMELESS CHILDREN AND YOUTH POLICY. 

     

Rights

  • The McKinney-Vento Act is intended to eliminate barriers that would prohibit students experiencing homelessness from accessing a rigorous instructional program.  In accordance with McKinney-Vento, parents and students are afforded the following rights:

    1. Equal access to services

    2. Equal access to programs

    3. School enrollment without delay

    4. Opportunity to continue enrollment in the school or origin unless determined not in the best interest of the student

    5. Participation in the appeal and dispute process

    Best Interest and Dispute Process Form

     

Services

  • The Homeless Liaison will participate in ongoing collaboration with the Office of Student Services, Office of Transportation, Office of Food and Nutrition, Allegany County Health Department as well as Pupil Personnel Workers to meet the needs of students experiencing homelessness in ACPS.  

    Students experiencing homelessness qualify for free breakfast and lunch.  Referrals for meal services will be submitted by the pupil personnel worker after the McKinney Vento determination.

     

Program

  • The McKinney-Vento Program removes barriers for students and families experiencing homelessness throughout Allegany County. Our program assists in academic achievement, technology skills, college preparation, and job skills training.  To accomplish these objectives, the McKinney Vento Program will provide:

    • Tutoring for students

    • Restorative practices to facilitate increased school attendance and performance

    • Summer school opportunities where secondary students have the opportunity to recover academic credits

    • Summer school opportunities where elementary students have the opportunity to enrich literacy and math content and participate in enrichment activities to improve social skills

    • Mentorships for high school students to facilitate college readiness

    • School supplies

     

Community Resources

Homeless Education Liasion

  • Name: Sandy Arnold
    Title: McKinney-Vento Liasion (Homeless Liasion)
    Phone: 301-759-2402 ext. 4023
     
    Student Services Department:
    301-759-2001