Enrollment

Schools must immediately enroll homeless children and youth, even when:

School or health records are unavailable at the time of enrollment.

• Birth certificates are not available.
• Proof of residency is not available.
• Students may stay in their school of origin, if feasible.
• Unaccompanied youth must be provided educational access through the support of the local education liaison.
• Schools must provide written explanations of placement decisions and the enrollment dispute process.

Must schools enroll students experiencing homelessness who do not have previous school records?
Yes. Students experiencing homelessness must be enrolled in school while waiting for the previous school records to be received. Parents can request copies of critical documents such as Individualized Educational Program (IEPs), gifted testing records, and report cards from the student's previous school.  The McKinney Vento Liaison will assist with obtaining documentation so that schools have the needed documentation.

Can a school require proof of residency (rent / lease agreement, utility receipt) that prevents or delays enrollment?
No. Students experiencing homelessness, by definition, lack a fixed residence and cannot be required to provide traditional proof of residency.  Please reach out to the MV Liaison for support getting the information.

Must a school enroll children or youth without proof of immunizations or physicals?
Yes. The school must enroll students who do not have health records if they fall under the definition of homeless. The school should refer the family or youth to the school's social worker or Kim Anderson, LEA Liaison for McKinney-Vento, for assistance in obtaining the necessary documentation.