Truth: summer can be a stressful time for parents. It means leaving your kids home alone all day or choosing to pay for care. While most parents feel relieved that summer is coming to a close, some might be anxious if they’re not currently living in their home or even close to their children’s school.
It is not uncommon for a family to be placed in a hotel or temporary house 5 or more miles away from their home; taking their children out of the school district and having to arrange a new commute. Fortunately in an unfortunate situation, for those displaced there is a way to have transportation provided. That’s right, the government is required to provide transportation to your child to their public school under the “McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act”.
Photo credit: State Farm viaVisualhunt / CC BY
Even though your living arrangements are temporary, the act ensures educational protections for children and youths who have lost their housing due to natural disasters. Now, there are regulations, but the McKinney-Vento Act does require public schools to keep students in their school of origin, assess their needs, and provide or refer them to additional services as needed.
To see if you qualify, check with your child’s school or contact your State Coordinator.
You can find their contact information here.
