Can homeless children attend public schools?
All children in Massachusetts, including homeless children, have the right to free public education. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act gives homeless children special protections: • Schools must immediately enroll homeless children in school, even if they do not have the documents usually required for enrollment, such as school records, medical records, or proof of residency. • Homeless children are allowed to stay in their previous schools, even if they no longer live in the district • Schools must provide free transportation for homeless children, whether the children live within the school district or outside the district • Homeless children do not have to apply for free school meals. Homeless shelter directors or education liaisons can authorize free meals. All schools have a Homeless Education Liaison who works with homeless families and school staff, shelter workers, and other service providers. The liaison helps homeless families: • enroll their children in school • get
