What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that helps protect the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness or unstable housing.

Students may qualify for McKinney-Vento services if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This can include children and youth who are:

• Sharing housing with others because of loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason

• Living in motels, hotels, campgrounds, or other temporary accommodations because they do not have another adequate place to live

• Living in emergency or transitional shelters

• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, or other places not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations

• Unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian and experiencing housing instability

Student Rights

Students eligible for McKinney-Vento protections have important educational rights. Depending on their circumstances, these may include the right to:

• Enroll in school immediately, even when normally required enrollment documents are unavailable

• Continue attending their school of origin when it is in the student's best interest

• Receive transportation to and from their school of origin when applicable

• Participate fully in school activities and receive educational services for which they are eligible

• Receive support with barriers that could prevent enrollment, attendance, or academic success

• Receive free school meals without completing the standard application process

Families experiencing housing instability are encouraged to contact Mountain Song. Our McKinney-Vento Liaison can help determine eligibility and connect students and families with available support.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act works alongside the McKinney-Vento Act to help ensure that students experiencing homelessness have equitable access to education and the support they need to succeed in school.

Learn more:
Colorado Department of Education — McKinney-Vento Homeless Education

Learn more about ESSA:
Colorado Department of Education — Every Student Succeeds Act

Mountain Song Liaison

Kara Wagner
Office Assistant & McKinney-Vento Liaison
Mountain Song Community School
2904 W. Kiowa St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Office: (719) 505-7873

Families who are experiencing housing instability, or who aren't sure whether their current situation qualifies for McKinney-Vento support, are encouraged to contact our liaison. Conversations regarding a family's housing situation are handled with care and discretion.

Family Support & Resources

Family Questionnaire

If your family is experiencing temporary or unstable housing, completing a brief questionnaire can help Mountain Song determine whether your student may qualify for McKinney-Vento services and additional support.