Liberty Central School District students may be able to receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act. McKinney-Vento is the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness in U.S. public schools.

It was reauthorized as Title X, Part C, of the No Child Left Behind Act in January 2002. Students protected under the McKinney-Vento Act which may entitle them to immediate enrollment in school, transportation, and other services.

Family homelessness takes many forms. The term “homeless children and youth” includes students who:
• lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;
• continually spend the night at a friend or family members home or live in hotels, motels, trailer parks or camping grounds;
• live in emergency or transitional shelters, are abandoned in hospitals, awaiting foster care placement; or
• otherwise does not have a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence with proper sleeping accommodations.

• Families of students who meet the eligibility requirements should contact Dr. Fuchs Nadeau to discuss your rights and protections under this federal program, which include:
  • the right to either remain in their school of origin or to attend school where they are temporarily residing;
  • assistance in obtaining records from previously attended schools;
  • full participation in all school sponsored events and programs; and
  • immediate enrollment in the school’s free breakfast and lunch program.
  As coordinator, Dr. Fuchs Nadeau assists the Student Services Department in ensuring that the needs of students in temporary living situations are met.

What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is federal legislation that discusses the public education of children and youth experiencing homelessness. Under McKinney-Vento and state law, students are considered homeless if they lack a nighttime residence that is fixed, regular, and adequate.

To help determine if a student is eligible, the school district asks two questions when a student enrolls.
1. Is your current address a temporary living arrangement?
2. Is this temporary living arrangement due to loss of housing or economic hardship?
Eligible students can receive services under the McKinney-Vento Act which entitles them to immediate enrollment in school, transportation, and other services.

If you believe you may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Act please call the district’s Central Registration office at 845-292-5400, ext. 2331.