Opening Doors
McKinney-Vento: An Overview
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was first signed into law  on July 22, 1987. Reauthorized in 2001 as part of the NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT the McKinney – Vento Act was the first, and remains the only major federal legislative response to homelessness.  The 1990 amendments specified the obligations of states and local educational agencies in assuring the access of homeless children to public education and implementing the law.  The provisions of the 2001 reauthorization of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act became effective July 1, 2002.

In Illinois the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act & the Illinois Education for Homeless Children Act ensures homeless children the right to:
  • choose to stay in the school of origin or attend the school nearest their shelter or temporary home
  • immediate enrollment even when school/medical records cannot be produced at the time of enrollment
  • receive assistance with transportation if needed
Illinois Law / ISBE Policy
Thanks to Illinois legislators and advocates, the Illinois Law went into effect in 1995 and has served as a model for the strengthened federal legislation.  The rights of these homeless children and youth were further strengthened by ISBE Board Policy on the Education of Homeless Children and Youth in December of 1995 and “ . . . directed all districts to comply with board policy and to comply with state and federal laws affecting the rights of homeless children and youth.”
 
      “The State Board of Education is concerned with the school enrollment, attendance and success of homeless children
and youth. This policy, is promulgated with the intention of minimizing educational disruption for homeless children and, youth and eliminating stigmatization and isolation. Under the federal McKinnev-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, homeless children and youth should have access to educational and other services in order to meet the same challenging academic standards as non-homeless children and youth.  School districts shall comply with this policy and shall comply with state and federal laws affecting the rights of homeless children and youth.”

In Illinois we have McKinney-Vento, Illinois Law, and State Board Policy to protect the rights of homeless students.  Additional support is available from Illinois Coalition and the Law Project of the Chicago Coalition.  Statewide we have developed a collaborative system through: