IPS provides services to students and families experiencing homelessness in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act. The McKinney-Vento Act ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless students.
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless as an individual who lacks a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence. Any displaced child or youth who is residing temporarily with family or friends due to economic hardship or loss of housing, or is living in a shelter, motel or campgrounds, or is couch surfing.
Children and youth in transition who fit the McKinney-Vento definition have certain rights, including:
- Immediate enrollment, even if they lack the documents needed at the time of enrollment.
- Free meals and textbooks.
- Assistance with retrieval of immunization records and birth certificates
- Transportation to and from the school of origin.
- Referrals to community resources (i.e., counseling, medical, dental and mental health referrals).
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) verification letters.
- Participation in before and after-school programs.
- School uniforms and school supplies.
- Cap and gowns for graduating seniors.
McKinney-Vento Act Contacts and Links
Gina Woodward
Homeless Education Specialist
gwoodward1@doe.in.gov
(317) 232-9189
- INEHCY — Indiana Education for Homeless Children and Youth
- NCHE — National Center for Homeless Education
- NAEHCY — National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth