14: Homeless Students’ Rights

The McKinney-Vento Act defines children who are homeless as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include students living in shelters, motels, vehicles, temporary housing, or doubled-up with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to attend school, participate in school activities, and receive support comparable to other students.

Key Rights

Students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

immediate enrollment, even without records;
school stability, including the option to remain at the school of origin when appropriate;
transportation to the school of origin when required;
free meals and fee waivers;
access to activities and programs available to all students;
assistance from the BPS101 McKinney-Vento liaison;
help obtaining records, enrollment documents, transportation, meals, fee waivers, and other supports.

McKinney-Vento Contacts

McKinney-Vento Liaison
Natalie Assell, Director of Student Services
(630) 937-8831
natalie.assell@bps101.net

Amy Nelson, Community Outreach Coordinator
(630) 937-8836
amy.nelson@bps101.net

Policy / Legal Requirements

Rights protected under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq.).
Illinois law reinforces these rights (105 ILCS 45/).
Board Policy 6:140 (Education of Homeless Children) ensures compliance.
The District’s Homeless Liaison coordinates services and assists families.

References

Board Policy 6:140 – Education of Homeless Children
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act