The McKinney-Vento Act is federal legislation that has been in effect since 1987 to support children and youth experiencing homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act defines ‘homeless children and youth’ as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The intent of the McKinney-Vento Act is to ensure homeless children and youth enroll and succeed in school.
Students living in any of the following situations may be entitled to additional support:
- In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
- On the street
- In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations (lack of heat, water, etc.)
- Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
Students living in homeless situations have a right to:
- Get help with enrolling in school from the district liaison or other school contact to continue academic success
- Continue in the school they attended (referred to as the school of origin) before they became homeless or the school they last attended, if that is the parent’s choice and is feasible
- Get transportation to and from the school of origin
- Receive free school meals
- Receive additional services such as ELL, Special Education, Title 1, preschool, Quest (gifted), career/technical education
Contact information
For more information about Lake Washington School District’s Homeless Services, or to request specific support for a homeless student, visit your local school or contact the district homeless liaison.
Cheryl Chikalla
Lake Washington School District
Homeless Liaison
(425) 702-3297
Additional information about homeless services is available through:
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Melinda Dyer
Program Manager, Homeless Children and Youth
(360) 725-6050