Homeless Students

The Maine Department of Education and Maine schools are bound by the provisions of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which aims to minimize the educational disruptions experienced by homeless students.

Under McKinney-Vento, homeless students are guaranteed the right to a free, appropriate, public education. When students become homeless, they can remain enrolled in the schools they have been attending, although they might no longer meet residency requirements.

McKinney-Vento also guarantees homeless students the right to enroll in a public school even if they lack the typically required documents and immunizations. In addition, the law guarantees homeless students the transportation they need to attend school.

• Educating the Homeless in Maine. The Maine Department of Education website offers resources and information about the law for school coordinators of education for homeless students.