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Law & Guidance

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law designed to increase the school enrollment, attendance, and success of children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. 

Federal Law

The McKinney-Vento Act

42 USC CHAPTER 119, SUBCHAPTER VI, Part B: Education for Homeless Children and Youths

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

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

In December 2015, the President signed into law the ESSA, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).  Under ESSA, homeless education is included in Title IX, Part A.

Guidance

Policy Guidance

The Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program Non-Regulatory Guidance was developed by the U.S. Department of Education as a resource for SEAs and LEAs, providing recommendations for addressing requirements of the law.

McKinney-Vento Subgrant

Purpose of Funding:

To facilitate the enrollment, attendance, and success in school of homeless children and youth.

Eligible Applicants:

All North Carolina Local Education Agencies (LEAs) with 50 or more students that were identified as homeless in the Student Information System may apply. LEAs with fewer than 50 reported homeless students may apply as a consortium.

Resources: 

The McKinney-Vento Subgrant Application is available in the CCIP document library.

Use-of-Funds Tip Sheet for Serving Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness 

Examples of Authorized Activities with McKinney-Vento Subgrant Funds

Questions to Consider When Determining Whether a Subgrant Activity is Allowable

NC Dispute Resolution Process

View the North Carolina  Dispute Resolution Process for Homeless Students in the online North Carolina School Board of Education Policy Manual. LEA dispute resolution processes must align with this policy.

Program Quality Review

Monitoring LEA Homeless Education Programs for compliance is a requirement under the McKinney-Vento Act. This provision applies to LEAs both with and without subgrants.

McKinney-Vento Data Collection

Visit the Data Collection page for information on data collection requirements, requested actions, training materials, and technical assistance. 

More Information

The U.S. Department of Education has a web page that highlights the Deparment initiatives related to identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness from pre-school to post-secondary ages. Web page topics include:

  • The state of homelessness in the United States
  • Pre-K-12 education programs and initiatives that specify homeless students for eligibility or priority for services
  • Additional federal programs and resources that may support homeless students
  • Other federal agencies serving homeless children and youth

 To learn more, please visit the US Department of Education Supporting Students webpage.