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McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act?

Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime abode are eligible for McKinney-Vento services. In general, children or youth living in motels, transitional housing, shelters, the street, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations may be considered eligible for McKinney-Vento services. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Doubled-up children: Living with another family due to lack of permanent residence
  • Children in shelters: Including transitional living programs
  • Children living in motels: Due to lack of alternative adequate living situation
  • Migratory children: If accommodations are not fit for habitation
  • Runaways: Children who left home and live in a shelter or inadequate accommodations, even if parents are willing to provide a home
  • Lockouts: Children whose parents or guardians will not permit them to live at home.

What are the rights of McKinney-Vento eligible children?

Eligible children have the following rights:

  • Choice of school: Children eligible for McKinney-Vento services may attend their school of origin (school last attended or school attended when child lost permanent housing) or attend the school that serves their temporary living situation (choice of caregiver)
  • Immediate enrollment, even if medical or other records, birth certificates, or transcripts cannot be produced at time of enrollment
  • Transportation, if requested
  • Preschool, for eligible youngsters
  • Free lunch & fee waivers
  • Supplemental tutoring if needed

Resources and organizations that may provide assistance and support for homeless families can be found at findhelp.org.

For more information about this act, please visit the McKinney-Vento page on the ISBE website, linked here.

With any questions or to request assistance, please reach out to any of the District 128 McKinney-Vento liaisons, listed below: 


Libertyville High School: Jenny Goettsche, 847-327-7012
Vernon Hills High School: Greg Stilling, 847-932-2270
District 128: Dr. Jessica Herrmann, 847-247-4502