The District 271 McKinney-Vento Homeless Program works to remove the barriers to education which homeless students often face. This website is to help educators, parents and students find the help they need.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001 states (paraphrased for understanding):

1. Kids who are homeless have the right to the same public education (including preschool) that other children enjoy.
2. State agencies are required to make it easier for homeless children to enroll in and benefit from school.
3. A student cannot be denied enrollment in school simply because he/she is homeless.
4. Students who are homeless will be given the same educational materials and services that other students receive in order to pass state tests.