Notice of Homeless Education Programs

Each year, more than 800,000 school-age children in the United States experience homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act requires that homeless children must have access to the education and other services that they need to meet the same challenging state academic achievement standards to which all students are held. The Williamsburg Community School District is required to provide activities for, and services to, homeless children, including preschool-age homeless children and youths, enabling them to enroll in, attend, and succeed in school or preschool programs. The law requires all school districts to inform parents or guardians of their rights under this provision.

The term homeless children and youth is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.  This includes:

          Sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing or economic hardship

          Living in a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of alternative accommodations

          Living in transitional shelters

          Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, etc.

          Living in substandard housing (no running water, working utilities, infestations, etc.)

• Key services provided to McKinney-Vento students:

   
  •            Enrollment assistance:

               Immediate enrollment in a school, even if lacking necessary paperwork, and the ability to attend their school of origin regardless of current residence. 

     

              Transportation support:

              Access to transportation to reach their chosen school, including to their school of origin if necessary. 

     

              Educational support:

              Access to the same educational programs and services as other students, including tutoring, after-school programs, and specialized instruction if needed. 

     

              Basic needs assistance:

              Access to school supplies, clothing, meals, and other necessities to remove barriers to learning. 

     

     

              Liaison services:

              A designated school staff member to act as a liaison, helping families navigate the enrollment process, identify needs, and connect them with community resources. 

     

     

              Health and mental health referrals:

              Access to referrals for medical, dental, and mental health services. 

     

     

              Housing assistance referrals:

              Support in finding stable housing through referrals to local agencies. 

     

              Advocacy and awareness:

              Efforts to educate school staff and the community about the needs of homeless students and their rights under the McKinney-Vento Act

If you believe your child/ren qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act, please notify the WCSD Homeless Education Liaison:  Lisa Murgas, Superintendent 814-832-2125