The Colorado Department of Education

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 Welcome

This webpage is designed to give an overview of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and the programs run through Title X, part C of No Child Left Behind in Colorado.  The attached links offer specific resources and information for school district liaisons and other audiences to ensure access to a free and appropriate public education for homeless children and youth, and success in school once enrolled.

The Homeless Education program is authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC 11431 et seq.). The McKinney-Vento Act was enacted to address the numerous barriers homeless children face in obtaining a free, appropriate public education. The program was originally authorized in 1987 and, most recently, reauthorized as Title X, Part C of the Federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness including the following:

  •  The right to immediate enrollment in school, even if lacking paperwork normally required for enrollment.

  •  The right to attend school in his/her school of origin (if this is requested by the parent and is feasible) or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.

  •  The right to receive transportation to his/her school of origin, if this is requested by the parent.

  • The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates, including transportation and supplemental educational services.

  • The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness. Segregation based on a student’s status as homeless is strictly prohibited.

  • The posting of homeless students. rights in all schools and other places around the community.

Homeless and Runaway Youth Awareness Month - November 2009

Colorado is coordinating with national efforts and planning the annual statewide public awareness campaign on the issue of youth homelessness during the month of November.  For additional information please see the Colorado Department of Public Safety's Website.  Planned activities, additional links and contact information is located on this page.

For more information on McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Programs please contact:
Dana Scott at (303) 866-6930
E-mail:  scott_d@cde.state.co.us