How “immediate” is immediate enrollment?
The McKinney-Vento Act requires schools to enroll students experiencing homelessness immediately, even if the student is unable to provide documents that are typically required for enrollment. 42 U.S.C. §11432(g)(3)(C). Enroll means permitting the student to attend classes and participate fully in school activities. 42 U.S.C. §11434A(1). Although the Act does not define immediate, the standard dictionary definition is “without delay.” Therefore, the student must begin attending classes and participating fully in school activities without delay. Generally, that would mean the same or the following day.
