English Learners and Homelessness (February 2022)

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students who experience homelessness have the right to remain in their school of origin or to immediate enrollment in a new school. Eligible English learners (ELs) who are homeless have the right to access language assistance services. States must ensure that homeless children and youths have equal access to free, appropriate public education. “Homeless children and youths” are defined as those without a “fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,” including those living in shelters, doubled-up housing, camping, motels, and cars. Every public school district must assign a local homeless education liaison, also called a McKinney-Vento liaison, to ensure that homeless children and youths are identified and that they are informed of and have access to all services to which they are entitled.