The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY)
program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Education's Office
of Elementary and Secondary Education, indicates that State Educational
Agencies (SEAs) must ensure that homeless children and youths have equal
access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public
preschool education, as is provided to other children and youths. The SEA
and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) in the State must review and revise
any laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as barriers to the
identification, enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless
children and youths. Homeless students must also have access to the
education and other services that they need to meet the same challenging
State academic standards to which all students are held.
Eligibility
You might qualify for assistance through a federal law called the McKinney -
Vento Act if your family lives in the following:
In a Shelter
In a motel or campground due to the lack of alternative adequate
accommodation
In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
Doubled-up with other people due to loss of housing or economic
hardship
Who can I talk with about my child's education?
1. Every school district has a local homeless education liaison.
Angela M. Smith is the liaison for Ashley Grade School District #15. Please
contact her by email at [email protected] or phone at (618)485-6611.
2. Talk with your child's teachers when you enroll him or her in school. Meet
with them on a regular basis to discuss your child's academic progress.
3. The staff at Ashley Grade School can provide valuable assistance. Please
reach out to them as needed.
Reference
National Center for Homeless Education, [n.d.], What you need to know to
help your child in school,
https://nchehelpline.org/collections/limit-5/products/parent-booklet-english.