Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime abode are eligible for McKinney-Vento services. In general, children or youth living in motels, transitional housing, shelters, the street, cars, abandoned buildings, and other inadequate accommodations may be considered eligible for McKinney- Vento services.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following groups:

Doubled-up Children: Living with another family due to lack of a permanent residence
Children in shelters: Including transitional living programs
Children living in motels: Due to lack of alternative adequate living situation
Migratory children: If accommodations are not fit for habitation

Runaways*: Children who are left home and live in a shelter or inadequate accommodations, even if parents arewilling to provide a home
Lockouts*: Children whose parents or guardians will not permit them to live at home

*These two categories are unaccompanied homeless youth. These children are not in the physical custody of their parents or court-ordered guardians and lack a fixed, regular, and adequate abode.

The Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, which is part of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ensures that eligible children have the following rights:

Choice of school: Children eligible for McKinney-Vento services may attend their school of origin (school last attended or school attended when child lost permanent housing) or attend the school that serves their temporary living situation (choice of caregiver)
Immediate enrollment: Even if medical or other records, birth certificates, or transcripts cannot be produced at time of enrollment.
Transportation: Transportation must be provided, if requested
Preschool: Priority consideration to preschool programs for eligible youngsters
Free lunch & fee waivers: Categorically eligible for free lunch
Supplemental tutoring: If needed