McKinney-Vento
Information
The faculty and staff at SISD want all children enrolled and attending school! Yes, it's the law, but more importantly we care about your child's education and want to help them succeed. We understand children need support from home as well as school. SISD wants to ensure that no child is excluded from public education because if their living situation and experiencing homelessness or poverty.
Program Services
The McKinney-Vento Act (Section 725) specifies and protects the rights of children and youth in homeless situations. The program assists families and unaccompanied youth that are currently living in a temporary situation due to loss of housing. The McKinney-Vento Education Assistance Act is a federal law that helps children immediately enroll in school, provides assistance for school supplies and obtaining bus transportation and referrals to the community to optimize their education opportunities.
Key Provisions of the Homeless Act – Who qualifies?
Section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence which includes:
- Children and youth who are currently living in a temporary place or residence and sharing housing with others due to; economic hardships, eviction, natural disaster, loss of housing; or living in motels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to lack of alternative or adequate accommodations; living in an emergency or transitional shelter; or are awaiting foster care placement;
- Children and youth who have primary night-time residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
- Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, public spaces, substandard housing, or similar settings;
- Migratory children (as such term is defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless due to their circumstances and living in conditions described above; or
- Unaccompanied youth (not living with your parent or guardian) living in a temporary situation.
Your Child's Rights
The McKinney-Vento Act provides your child with basic education rights such as:
- Immediate enrollment even if academic records, proof of residence or immunization records are unavailable.
- Immediate eligibility for free child nutrition. Assistance with school supplies if needed.
- Keeping the child enrolled in "School of Origin" upon request or assisting the child with enrollment in the attendance zone where he/she is currently residing.
- Transportation assistance if needed.
Parents can help by:
- Contacting James Webster at: 281-727-2013 or go to the nearest school in your area for assistance.
- Enrolling your child as soon as possible, even if you do not have a permanent address.
- Providing the school with your most current address.
- Keep the school informed if you move and report any changes throughout the school year.
- Making sure your child goes to school every day.
English Information
Información en Español
Additional Resources
American Red Cross — 281-424-1300
An emergency social services and community health education organization providing disaster relief, (loss of housing due to flooding, fire, etc.) Also provides assistance to military families and veterans, transportation services and health & safety classes.
Bay Area Homeless Services - 281-837-1654
Assists homeless persons and families in attaining self-sufficiency, permanent housing and return to independent living as contributing members of the community.
Clothing for School Children — 281-727-3601
Clothing Assistance for students of Sheldon ISD schools. The student's family must meet income guidelines. Administered by Community Youth Service.
DePelchin Children's Center — 713-730-2335
Services for children and families including prevention, counseling, adoption, foster care, residential treatment, post adoption counseling, parent education, teen-parent services, home-based therapy, and child psychiatry.
DePelchin Children's Center — 713-730-2335
Services for children and families including prevention, counseling, adoption, foster care, residential treatment, post adoption counseling, parent education, teen-parent services, home-based therapy, and child psychiatry.
Unlimited Visions Aftercare — 281-427-8785
A Chemical dependency treatment program for adults & adolescents providing assessment, education and treatment services that directly impact legal, social, health and safety issues in our community.
The Guide: Mental Health Resource Brochure
The Guide is a listing of mental health resources in Harris County that are low-cost and/or affordable. As a community service, Mental Health America of Greater Houston offers “The Guide” at no cost to individuals and organizations. It features resources for Adults, Children/Adolescents and Older Adults/Elderly and is widely used and distributed by schools, hospitals, mental health professionals, and call centers.