What is McKinney-Vento?
Legislative Information
There are many sources of legislative support for the free appropriate public education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. The links below will provide access to the laws designed to improve the educational outcomes and welfare of Virginia’s students experiencing homelessness.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
On December 10, 2015, the President signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA), which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Under the previous version of ESEA (the No Child Left Behind Act), the education of homeless children and youth was included in Title X, Part C. Under ESSA, homeless education is included in Title IX, Part A. The McKinney-Vento portion of ESSA took effect on October 1, 2016.
- Virginia
- Supt. Memo 126-17, Virginia’s transition to ESSA is explained in this memo.
- Virginia’s Consolidated State Plan was approved in April 2018. See pages 67 to 79 of the Revised State Template for the Consolidated State Plan for the homeless education section.
- U.S. Department of Education ESSA Resources
- Homeless Student Non-Regulatory Guidance (July 27, 2016, updated March 2017)
Early Childhood Education
- The Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 was signed into law December 12, 2007.
- Policies and Resources for Expanding ECE Services for Homeless Children and Families – These resources can assist you in ensuring that young children experiencing homelessness are prioritized for services and have access to valuable early childhood services that support their learning and development.
Nutrition
- The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act 2004 (P.L. 108-265) (pdf) provides categorical eligibility to students who meet the federal definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant.
- Regularly updated resources and guidance related to the National School Lunch Program from the Food Research and Action Center.
Further Resources
- Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): regulation and guidance resources at the US Department of Education (ED).