The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children or unaccompanied youth as lacking a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence, which includes:

• Families doubled up with friends or relatives due to loss of housing.
• Children living in motels, hotels, trailer parks and campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.
• Children living in emergency or transitional shelters.
• Children living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, and bus or train stations.

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children have a right to:

• Attend the school they last attended before they became homeless (school of origin) OR enroll in their neighborhood school.
• Immediate enrollment in school even if they lack required documents, such as school records, immunization records, or proof of residence.
• Free transportation to school of origin, when feasible.
• Free meals at school.
• Assistance for school fees, school supplies, and connecting to social service supports.

The Monroe School District McKinney-Vento/Foster Care Liaison:
Amber Mehta, mehtaa@monroe.wednet.edu or 360-804-2534

The WA State McKinney-Vento Liaison: 
Melinda Dyer, Program Manager, Homeless Children and Youth (at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) Melinda.dyer@k12.wa.us

If your family is in a temporary living situation resulting in loss of housing due to eviction or economic hardship, your child might be eligible for certain educational rights and services under the McKinney Vento Act. We encourage you to fill out the Student Housing Questionnaire (English | Spanish).