If your family lives in any of the following situations:

Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

In a shelter, motel, or campground

Or some other inadequate accommodation

Your school-aged child may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

If your child is eligible, he/she has the right to:

• Receive the free, appropriate public education to which he/she is 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 he or she is living; or continue attending his/her 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 feasible. 

• Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.

• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to all other student, according to your child’s need.

• Receive clothing, supplies and other services if needed or requested. 

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact Anita Crowley, your Ocean Township’s Homeless Education Liaison.