McKinney-Vento Act
IF YOU OR YOUR FAMILY LIVE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Unsheltered includes cars, parks, campgrounds, temporary trailers (including FEMA), abandoned buildings
- Hotels and motels
- Emergency shelters or transitional housing
You or your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protection under the federal McKinney-Vento Act
You OR YOUR eligible children have the right to:
- Receive a free, appropriate public education.
- Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
- Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
- Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
- If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.
The SSU assists students who are enrolled & attending Newark Public Schools, who are Homeless/Displaced under the McKinney-Vento Act.
Some of the services may include:
- Enrollment Advocacy
Support and advocate for students with the enrollment process - Uniforms
Provide assistance with obtaining uniform vouchers - Bookbags & SchoolSupplies
- Transportation Services
(district guidelines may apply) - Academics
Connect students with other supportive academic programs at NPS - Health, Food & Intervention
Food pantries, Housing, Educational & Employment opportunities, Mental Health, Medical Centers and Early Intervention services
If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the Newark Board of Education District Homeless Liaison to discuss your situation & if other supports may be available by completing the inquiry form on this page.
Newark Board of Education
Ana Osoria, MSW, LSW
Specialist for Homeless Management
973-424-4445
a1osoria@nullnps.k12.nj.us
For Information Only
NJ Department of Education
Pheobie J. Thomas, State Coordinator
McKinney-Vento & Migrant Educational Programs
Office of Supplemental Educational Programs
New Jersey Department of Education
Phone: (609) 376-3515
E-mail: Pheobie.Thomas@nulldoe.nj.gov
Web: http://www.state.nj.us/homeless