McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Under federal and state law, children and youth experiencing homelessness have a right to a free, appropriate public education (FAPE). The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (federal law) provides assistance to states to help them ensure educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This program helps State Educational Agencies (SEAs) ensure that homeless children, including preschoolers and youths, have equal access to FAPE, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youth.
Consistent with the McKinney-Vento Act, children experiencing homelessness are to be provided services comparable to those received by other students in the school they attend, including transportation services, and education programs for which such students are otherwise eligible, such as services provided under McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 or similar state or local programs and programs for students with disabilities.
State law also addresses the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 25.001, 25.002, and 29.153 address educational rights concerning school admission and preschool for homeless students.
McKinney-Vento Region 2 LEA Contacts
Use the following directory link below to find your LEA McKinney-Vento Liaison.
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, every local educational agency (LEA) is required to designate a liaison for homeless children and youth.
State Resources
The Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program Office (TEHCY) provides resources and services to ensure that all Texas children living in homeless situations have the opportunity to enroll in, and succeed in school.
McKinney-Vento 101 Webinar: Overview
McKinney-Vento 201 Webinar: State Provisions
McKinney-Vento 301 Webinar: Building Community Connections
McKinney-Vento 401 Webinar: Program Best Practices
Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youths (TEHCY) Program
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (512) 463-9414
Dr. Desiree Viramontes
McKinney-Vento State Coordinator
Dr. Ann H. Lê
Highly Mobile and At-Risk Student Programs Specialist