The McKinney Vento Act:
Parent/Student Rights for Those in Transition

Arizona public schools shall provide an educational environment that treats all students with dignity and
respect. Every student experiencing homelessness or transition shall have access to the same free and
appropriate educational opportunities as students who are not homeless. This commitment to the
educational rights of homeless children, youth, and unaccompanied youth, applied to all services, programs,
and activities provided or made available.

A student may be considered eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act if he
or she is presently living:

• In temporary shared housing, a shelter, or transitional living program
• In a hotel/motel, campground, or similar situation due to lack of alternatives
• At a bus station, park, car, or abandoned building

According to the McKinney-Vento Act, eligible students have rights to:

Immediate enrollment: Documentation and immunization records cannot serve as a barrier to the
enrollment in school.

School Selection: Eligible students have a right to select from the following schools:

• The school he/she attended when permanently housed (School of Origin)
• The school in which he/she was last enrolled (School of Origin)
• The school in the attendance area in which the student currently resides (School of
  Residency)

Remain enrolled in his/her selected school for the duration of homelessness, or until the academic
year upon which they are permanently housed.

Participate in programs for which they are eligible, including Title I tutoring programs, Free Lunch
in schools with the, National School Lunch Program, Head Start & Even Start Preschool Programs.

Transportation Services: A McKinney-Vento eligible student attending his/her School of Origin
has a right to transportation to and from the School of Origin.

Dispute Resolution: If you disagree with school officials about enrollment, transportation, or fair
treatment of a homeless child or youth, you may file a complaint with the school district. The school
district must respond and attempt to resolve it quickly. During the dispute, the student must be
immediately enrolled in the school and provided transportation until the matter is resolved. The
McKinney Vento Liaison will assist you in making decision, providing notice of any appeal process,
and filling out dispute forms.

For more information, refer to
Arizona McKinney Vento  or contact:

Silvia Chavez
Homeless Education State Coordinator
Arizona Department of Education
1535 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-4963

Silvia Chavez - Silvia.Chavez@azed.gov or homeless@azed.gov

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