Charlotte County Public Schools

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that protects the educational rights of students (PreK-12) who have lost housing and are living in transition. The goal of the Homeless Education Project is to uphold the McKinney-Vento Act by removing barriers that might prevent students experiencing homelessness from enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school and ensure equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other youth.

Who qualifies for Services through the Families in Transition Program
Students living in transition (whether residing with a parent, legal guardian, or unaccompanied children and youth) are those who lack a fixed, regular, or adequate nighttime residence. This includes:
 

• Sharing the housing of other persons “doubled-up” due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar situation;
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations;
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters; abandoned in hospitals;
• Living in a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
• Migratory children and youth living in the circumstances described above also qualify for McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Services.

McKinney-Vento Information

Some of the Services Provided Through

• Students identified through Families in Transition receive free breakfast and lunch
• School supplies, including backpacks and uniforms
• Coordination with the Transportation Department for transportation to and from school for eligible students
• Assistance with access and supplies needed to participate in school activities
• Assistance with school enrollment forms, obtaining school physicals, school records, immunization records, birth certificates, and other records as needed.
• Linking families with essential service providers and community resources
• Promoting school and community awareness of the rights and needs of students and families living in transition
   

Other Resources

• CCPS Bylaw & Policy for Homeless Students 5111.01
• Charlotte County Homeless Coalition Website
• The NAEHCY Scholarship Fund

Florida DOE Homeless Education Program Information