Temporary or Transitional home
Motels, shelters, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds
State Care or Custody
Cars, parks, public places, abandoned buildings, substandard buildings, or similar settings
Doubled up with other people due to loss if housing or economic hardship
Are considered an unaccompanied youth (youth not in physical custody of a parent or guardian)
Your school aged children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
Your eligible children have a right to:
Receive a free and appropriate public education
Either remain in their school of origin or attend school where they are temporarily residing
Students who choose to remain in their school of origin have the right to remain there until they get permanent housing; When they get permanent housing they have the right to stay in their school of origin until the end of that school year if they choose. At the start of the next school year they will be required to enroll in the school in the city that they permanently reside.
Receive transportation for up to one hour in each direction to and from the school of origin
Receive educational services according to your child’s needs, including special education services if your child has a Individualized Education Program
Participate fully in all school sponsored events and programs.
Be enrolled immediately in the free lunch program (and breakfast if offered)
Enroll immediately even if you are unable to produce records usually required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, or proof of residency.
Additional information regarding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Program may be found on the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.
If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.
Contact Us :
Homeless Education Liaison:
Phone: 781-314-5483
Email: mkvliason@walthampublicschools.org
Homeless Education Transportation Coordinator:
Stephanie Panzera
Phone: 781-314-5425
