Homeless Student Services

The mission of the Department of Public Instruction Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program is to ensure educational equity and success for students experiencing homelessness by providing support under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which defines homeless children and youths as those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Examples within the law include children and youth in the following situations:

  • sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
  • living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing;
  • living in emergency or transitional shelters;
  • abandoned in hospitals;
  • living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
  • living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places; and/or
  • living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory.

McKinney-Vento supports include:

  • ability for homeless students to continue to attend their school or origin (the school they have been previously attending)
  • assessment of needed transportation support to/from the school of origin
  • authorization of free school meals
  • waiving of school fees
  • access to educational materials/supplies
  • assistance overcoming any school enrollment barriers
  • linking to community resources, support, and services 
 

Resources


AASD School Social Worker
McKinney Vento Homeless Support Liaison
Molly McGregor
email
(920) 852-5323

Office location:
AASD Welcome Center,
2701 N Oneida St, Suite C3
 

AASD Homeless Liaison

Students experiencing homelessness need to be qualified for McKinney Vento support through the school district McKinney Vento Liaison (this eligibility is determined each school year). The liaison is key to ensuring homeless children and youth receive the services they need and is the primary contact between homeless families, schools and staff, shelter workers, and other service providers. 

The liaison is able to explain educational supports, assess options for staying at the school of origin or transferring to the new resident/neighborhood school, and assist families in linking to needed community resources for housing and basic needs.  Parents and/or students can self identify or school staff can refer students for qualification and support.
Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance

Supporting the Success of Homeless Children and Youths: A fact sheet & tips for teachers, principals, school leaders, counselors, and other school staff

School District Support for Students Experiencing Homelessness
 
Download or print PDF

Parents or guardians of students experiencing homelessness or unaccompanied homeless youth have the right under McKinney-Vento to appeal or dispute decisions made by the district regarding eligibility, school selection, or enrollment. [42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(3)(E)] In the event of a dispute, please complete this form with the AASD Homeless Support Liasion.