Background

This blog post grew out of a breakout session during the 2024 GoEngage System Admin Workshop. A common issue for attending agencies went like this: "We know the families who need our services are there—our community needs assessment shows that. But when recruitment rolls around, we are not able to meet enrollment."

The Child Center of New York shared how they use the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to bridge the gap and help extend services to these families in need.

Introduction

November is National Homelessness Awareness Month. Families experiencing homelessness are always eligible for Head Start programs. This article explains how your agency can use the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to identify and enroll more children and families in need.

What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures educational stability and access for children and youth experiencing homelessness in the United States.

Why McKinney-Vento Matters for Head Start

Crucially, McKinney-Vento provides 6 definitions of homelessness. These can help you qualify more children as eligible (experiencing homelessness) for your Head Start program.

The Act takes a broad view of homelessness, recognizing that unstable and inadequate living conditions come in many forms. This inclusive definition helps ensure that families who might otherwise fall through the cracks are identified and supported.

Under McKinney-Vento, homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Shelters: Families or individuals living in emergency or temporary shelters.

2. Motels or Hotels: Staying in motels, hotels, or similar locations due to a lack of alternative accommodations.

3. Campgrounds or Substandard Housing: Residing in campgrounds, cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or places not meant for human habitation.

4. Doubling Up: Sharing housing with others due to economic hardship, loss of housing, or similar circumstances.

5. Awaiting Foster Care: In some cases, children awaiting placement in foster care may qualify under this definition.

6. Migratory Families: Children of migratory families living in any of the conditions described above.

This broad definition ensures that McKinney-Vento captures the varied experiences of families facing housing insecurity. For Head Start agencies, this means looking beyond the traditional image of homelessness to include all families living in conditions that fail to meet basic standards of stability and adequacy.

Understanding these nuances is critical for identifying eligible families and connecting them with Head Start services. Many families experiencing homelessness may not self-identify or even realize they qualify under McKinney-Vento. By adopting an inclusive approach and asking the right questions during the application process, agencies can ensure that no child is left behind.

View the full text of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act→

Incorporating McKinney-Vento into Eligibility Procedures

To fully leverage McKinney-Vento provisions, Head Start agencies can integrate the following strategies into their eligibility procedures:

1. Train Staff on McKinney-Vento Provisions
   Equip enrollment and outreach teams with training on identifying and engaging families experiencing homelessness. Understanding McKinney-Vento’s definitions and rights can help staff proactively connect with eligible families.

2. Collaborate with Local School Districts
   Partner with school district McKinney-Vento liaisons, who are tasked with identifying and supporting homeless students. These partnerships can help identify younger siblings of school-age children who are eligible for Head Start services.

3. Revise Enrollment Policies
   Adapt policies to align with McKinney-Vento, such as accepting alternative forms of residency verification or waiving documentation requirements. Include questions about housing stability in the application process to identify eligible families.

4. Expand Community Outreach
   Work with shelters, transitional housing programs, and other community organizations to raise awareness about Head Start eligibility for homeless children. Provide materials that emphasize McKinney-Vento benefits to families.

5. Provide Transportation Assistance
   Transportation is a significant barrier for families experiencing homelessness. Head Start programs can use McKinney-Vento funding or collaborate with local transit providers to offer solutions.

6. Monitor and Track Enrollment
   Establish systems to track the enrollment of children experiencing homelessness and monitor their participation to ensure continued access to services.

FAQs About Serving Families Experiencing Homelessness

Explore the Office of Head Start's answers to common questions about serving families experiencing homelessness. Go to ECLKC →

Conclusion

The McKinney-Vento Act provides a powerful framework for Head Start agencies to expand their reach and fulfill their mission of supporting children and families in need. By aligning eligibility procedures with McKinney-Vento, agencies can improve their ability to serve one of the most vulnerable populations—children experiencing homelessness. Through collaborative partnerships, staff training, and strategic outreach, Head Start programs can break down barriers and open doors to brighter futures for every child.

Start reviewing your agency’s eligibility procedures today and consider how McKinney-Vento provisions can be integrated. Together, we can ensure every child has access to the education and support they deserve.