McKinney-Vento Homeless Education

Homeless Education FAQ for COVID-19 Response

As school districts prepare for reopening and recovery, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education FAQ offers information and considerations for serving students experiencing homelessness.

COVID-19 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education FAQ

Resources for Families Displaced by Wildfires and Other Natural Disasters

For those impacted by Colorado wildfires, immediate needs for income and housing may overshadow critical concerns about education of children and youth. However, the needs of displaced students should also be considered. The resources for families displaced by wildfires and other natural disasters are designed to assist school districts and community partners with displaced students seeking access to appropriate educational services.

Connecting children to educational services is important even in times of crisis. Schools can also provide students with important services such as free meals and counseling. They may also form a connection point for volunteers, organizations, and agencies that want to offer clothing, toiletries, school supplies, toys, and other forms of assistance.

November is Runaway and Homelessness Awareness Month

We thank Governor Polis for recognizing November as Runaway and Homeless Awareness Month.

View Governor Polis's proclamation (PDF)

About Homeless Education

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is the primary piece of legislation related to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.

Specific provisions ensure the enrollment, accessibility, and educational stability for students lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

This Homeless Education Fact Sheet (PDF) provides additional information about Colorado’s McKinney-Vento Program.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions on the Education Rights of Children and Youth in Homeless Situations

This document, created collaboratively by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY) and the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty (NLCHP), and updated in October 2017, provides answers to many of the most frequently asked questions on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the educational rights of children and youth in homeless situations.

Download The Most Frequently Asked Questions on the Education Rights of Children and Youth in Homeless Situations.

More Resources available under Resources and Training Materials

Who qualifies for McKinney-Vento?

Any displaced child or youth who is living in a shelter, motel, inadequate trailer or house, is staying temporarily with relatives or friends due to economic hardship or loss of housing, or is living in any other homeless situation has educational rights under the McKinney-Vento Act.

Contact your Liaison for further information.

Children walking to school with school bus in background

STAY INFORMED: Visit CDE’s COVID-19 Resources for Schools page