Homeless Education Program (McKinney Vento) & Unaccompanied Youth

If you are a family in transition, homeless or an unaccompanied youth not in the physical custody of a parent/guardian, you may have rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. If you have lost your housing due to a family crisis, unemployment, an eviction, or financial challenges then you may be eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act. The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law which protects student’s rights experiencing homelessness or loss of adequate housing. You may be eligible for services if you are:

• Temporarily sharing housing with another family due to loss of housing or financial hardship.
• In a motel or hotel due to a lack of adequate accommodations.
• In a car, park, campground, public space, abandoned building or substandard housing.
• In an emergency or transitional shelter.

If you feel that you may be eligible under the McKinney-Vento Act, please complete the Student Residency Questionnaire below.  Once completed our Mckinney Vento Liaison will reach out to you. McKinney Vento eligibility is determined solely by the District Homeless Education Liaison on a case-by-case basis.  Desert Heights Charter Schools will ensure that every McKinney-Vento eligible student has access to the same educational services and opportunities as students who are not homeless or in transition.

McKinney-Vento eligible students may qualify for:

• Reduced/Free school meals
• Fee waivers
• Transportation services
• Credit recovery and academic assistance
• School supplies
• School uniforms
• Community resources

Dispute Resolution Process:

If you are determined ineligible for any McKinney-Vento services and you disagree with the decision of the District Homeless Education Liaison, you may appeal the decision with the Arizona Department of Education.  Click on the Dispute Resolution Procedure and Form link below to view the appeal process. The District McKinney Vento Liaison can assist you with this process, by request. The Arizona Department of Education will make a decision, and the decision will be final.