A student who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, including staying in transitional or emergency shelters, campgrounds, motels, sharing housing with other families due to a loss of housing or an inability to afford housing, awaiting foster care, abandoned in a hospital, staying in a substandard housing or living in places not ordinarily used for sleeping; or a student who has run away or have been thrown out of their home qualifies for supports under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. A qualifying student may stay in the same school all year, if feasible, even is he/she moves, or may enroll in the school serving his/her temporary address.
Students experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible to participate in the school meals program, instructional services through Title I, and other district services intended to support academic success such as tutoring and transportation to the school if best interest. Please contact the school counselor, family school liaison, or the Director of Student Services at (816) 847-5006 x1 for further information.
Program Goals
- Identify and meet the needs of students in homeless situations to maximize their success in school and minimized disruption of their education.
- Provide support and resources, including transportation, to maintain consistency and continuity in the educational process for students in homeless circumstances.
- Provide full access to educational programs and opportunities for homeless students that housed students receive.
- Engage parents and other adult caretakers in the supporting the educational success of students in homeless situations.
- Coordinate services and supports for homeless students with community agencies and neighboring school districts.
Program Services Include
Services and supports are available to students and their families:
- Immediate enrollment in school and removal of barriers to enrollment and participation.
- Transportation to and from school, and for extra-curricular activities when feasible.
- School supplies, backpacks, school clothes and other daily living and enrichment items.
- Activity and field trip fees.
- Tutoring to help students catch up and stay current.
District Homeless Liaison:
Director of Student Services
(816) 847-5006 x1