Which School Can A Child Experiencing Homelessness Attend? 

There are two options for attendance for a student experiencing homelessness- the school of origin and the school of residency. The school of origin is the school the child attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child was last enrolled. The school of residence is the school serving the area where the child or youth is currently physically dwelling. When determining the school of best interest, a homeless child or youth should remain in the school of origin (to the extent feasible) unless doing so is contrary to the wishes of the parent or guardian or to the wishes of the unaccompanied youth. 

Enrollment 

The McKinney-Vento Act requires the immediate enrollment of children and youth experiencing homelessness. These children must be allowed to attend school even if they are unable to produce previous academic records, immunization and medical records, proof of residency, birth certificates, or other documentation that is usually required. 

Transportation 

School districts must provide transportation for children and youth experiencing homelessness to the school of best interest. Districts must also provide transportation during the resolution of any pending disputes. While disputes over enrollment, school placement or transportation arrangements are being resolved, students must be transported to the school of choice of the parent or the unaccompanied youth. 

The Homeless Coordinator 

The school district's homeless coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness enroll and succeed in school. The McKinney-Vento Act requires that every school district appoint a homeless coordinator who serves as the link between homeless families and school staff, district personnel, shelter workers and social-service providers. 

Click here to download our Intake Form and other important documents.  

Call Missouri's Homeless Coordinator at (573) 522-8763  

Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Federal Discretionary Grants
P.O. Box 480
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480 

https://dese.mo.gov/quality-schools/federal-programs/homeless-children-youth 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary School education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Inquiries related to Department programs and to the location of services, activities, and facilities that are accessible by persons with disabilities may be directed to the Jefferson State Office Building, Civil Rights Compliance (Title VI/Title IX/504/ADA/Age Act), 5th Floor, 205 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0480; telephone number 573-526-4757 or Relay Missouri 800-735-2966.