Homeless Services (McKinney-Vento)
Definition of Homelessness
A homeless student is one who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes students who are:
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Staying in transitional or emergency shelters, campgrounds, or motels
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Sharing housing with other families due to loss of housing or inability to afford housing
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Abandoned in hospitals
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Living in substandard housing or places not ordinarily used for sleeping
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Runaways or those who have been thrown out of their homes
School Stability and Enrollment
Homeless students may remain in their school of origin all year if feasible, even if they move. Alternatively, they can enroll in the school serving their temporary address.
Services and Eligibility
Homeless students are automatically eligible for:
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School meals program
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Instructional services through Title I
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Tutoring
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Transportation to the school of best interest
McKinney-Vento Act Overview
The McKinney-Vento Act, part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, ensures that homeless children and youth receive an education equal to that of their non-homeless peers.
Who is Considered Homeless?
According to the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless children and youth include those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:
- Doubling-up with others due to economic hardship
- Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds
- Staying in emergency or transitional shelters
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings
School Enrollment and Transportation
The McKinney-Vento Act requires immediate enrollment of homeless children and youth, even without documentation. Schools must provide transportation to the school of best interest and during the resolution of any disputes.
McKinney-Vento Coordinator Role
Every school district must appoint a homeless coordinator to ensure the enrollment and success of homeless children and youth. This coordinator acts as a liaison between homeless families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers, and social-service providers.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact:
Danyca Singleton
Director of Family and Student Services (McKinney-Vento Liaison)
Phone: (816) 316-7085.
Email: danyca.singleton@hickmanmills.org
Additional Supports
- Board of Education Policies
- Missouri Department of Education Homeless Children & Youth
- National Center for Homeless Education
Building Support
- Family School Liaisons
Community Support
- IMPACT Hickman Mills (with updated church name and IMPACT days)
- Agape Center (referral completed by building FSL)
Resources for Families
Homeless Hotline: (816) 474-4599
SOS Youth Hotline:
- (816) 204-6747 (Mon-Fri)
- (816) 741-8700 (24 hours)
- (816) 309-9048 (24 hours)
Domestic Violence Hotline:
- (816) HOTLINE
- (816) 799-SAFE
United Way:
Dial 221 or (816) 747-5112
Dial 221 or (816) 747-5112
- MOCSA (Sexual Assault Hotline): (816) 931-4572
- Youth Crisis Hotline: (800) 448-4663
- National Runaway Hotline: (800) 621-4000