Mckinney Vento/Homeless Supports

Families Experiencing Homelessness

A significant number of families who are experiencing homelessness live within our district boundaries. Our liaison for families experiencing homelessness with children between the ages of 0-21 is Natalie Sandoval. She may be reached at (208) 468-4600 , ext 1161 Fax: (208) 468-4639.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Subtitle B-Education for Homeless Children and Youth) ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Services to children who are experiencing homelessness are required by local educational agencies in the No Child Left Behind Act, and are primarily found under the requirements of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Title X, Part C No Child Left Behind Act) and under Title I.

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Who is Homeless?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines "homeless children and youth" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, as defined by the following:

Doubled up with family or a friend

In a car, park, campground, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing or similar

In a motel or hotel

In a house or vehicle of any kind (including a camper) without running water, electricity or heat

In a shelter or transitional housing

Unaccompanied youth not living with a parent or legal guardian

Youth awaiting foster care (first 30 days in foster care)

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Homeless Student Rights

Homeless children have a right to attend school.

You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.

Homeless children have the right to stay in their school of origin if the parents choose.

Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.

Your child has the opportunity to receive transportation services to and from the school of origin.

Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all federal, state or local programs for which he/she is eligible.

School of Origin

The school of origin is defined as the school the student attended when permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled.

District Resources
Services available for students who are experiencing homelessness:

Qualification for free breakfast and lunch program.

Transportation assistance to remain in their school of origin.

After-school tutoring programs.

Referrals for clothing.

Backpacks, school supplies, blankets and hygiene kits.

Referrals to community resources.

Referrals to food pantries and/or free meals.

Referrals to domestic violence advocates (currently one on site, one day a week).

Referrals to medical/dental assistance.

Grade/attendance contracts with incentives.

Assistance with college applications and financial aid applications.

To arrange for these services, contact the homeless program specialist at (208) 468-4601, ext. 1161, or your school counselor for a referral.

Government Resources
Idaho State Department of Education-Homeless Education
This is the State of Idaho Department of Education's website regarding homeless education:
National Association for Education of Homeless Children and Youth
is the national organization that supports the education of homeless children and youth. Their website has information regarding policy and advocacy, higher education for homeless youth, unaccompanied homeless youth, and more:
National Center on Homeless Education
is the U.S. Department of Education's technical assistance and information center for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) Program. It contains resources for educators, family and youth regarding homeless education:
School House Connection 
is a national non-profit organization working to overcome homelessness through education: