Information for Parents

IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

In a shelter, motel, campground, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, or some other inadequate accommodation doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship then, your school-aged children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

If your children are eligible, they have the right to:

  • Receive the free, appropriate public education to which they are entitled.
  • Be enrolled in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
  • Be enrolled in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documentation.
  • Enroll in the local school near where they’re living; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is in the best interest of your child. If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your child, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and offer you the opportunity to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to all other students, according to your child’s need.

 If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison (see below) to find out what services and support may be available.

Information for School-Aged Youth

IF YOU LIVE IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

In a shelter, motel, campground, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, or some other inadequate accommodation doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship then, you may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Eligible students have the right to:

  • Receive the free, appropriate public education to which they are entitled.
  • Be enrolled in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
  • Be enrolled in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documentation.
  • Enroll in the local school near where they’re living; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is their preference and is in their best interest. If the school district believes that the school selected by the student is not in his/her best interest, then the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and offer him/her the opportunity to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to all other students, according to the student’s needs.

If you believe you may be eligible, contact the local liaison (see below) to find out what services and support may be available.

Contact Information

Southgate Academy School
McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison
Rebecca Islas
(520) 741-7900 Ex. 763
beckie.islas@southgateaz.org

State Homeless Education Program Coordinator
Rita Rodriguez
(602) 542-4963
homeless@azed.gov