Contact:
Brenda McAferty,
Homeless Liaison, (360) 412-4902 (Office) or (360) 561-2095 (Cell)
National Center for Homeless Education's
Brochure for Parents:
English (PDF) |
Spanish (PDF)
Does Your Child Qualify for Services?
A student is considered "homeless" if he or she is presently living:
- In a motel/hotel, camping ground, or similar situation due to lack of alternative, adequate housing
- In a shelter
- Sharing housing with relatives or others due to lack of housing
- At a train or bus station, park, or in a car
- In an abandoned building
- Not living with a parent or guardian
All Homeless Students Have Rights To:
- Immediate school enrollment - even if they lack health, immunization or school records, proof or guardianship, or proof or residency.
- Enroll in the school he or she attended when permanently housed; or, attend the school where he or she was last enrolled; or, enroll in the school district where he or she is currently living.
- Remain enrolled in his/her selected school for as long as he/she remains homeless, or if the student becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic year.
- Priority in certain preschool programs. Parents or guardians are encouraged to seek enrollment in these programs.
- Receive free meals at school.
- Participate in tutoring and school-related activities.
- Obtain information regarding free services including clothing and medical.
- Transportation Services: A homeless student attending his/her school of origin has a right to transportation to go to and from the school of origin as long as he/she is homeless or, if the student becomes permanently housed, until the end of the academic school year.
Community Resources
Family Support Center (360) 754-9297
Thurston County Coordinated Entry Shelter & Housing Hotline (844) 628-7343
For additional resources please contact the Crisis Clinic of Thurston and Mason Counties at 360-586-2800.
McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act is Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. This legislation ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to an appropriate public education and that they experience success in school.
http://www.k12.wa.us/HomelessEd/Posters.aspx