Homelessness Information

What is McKinney Vento?

This federal act ensures educational rights and protection for youth and children experiencing homelessness.

Who is Homelessness?

The federal McKinney Vento Act was designed to ensure that all students experiencing homelessness have educational rights and protection. Under this act, homelessness is defined as:

• sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to a lack of alternative adequate housing
• living in emergency or transitional shelters
• living in a public or private place not designated for, or normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
• living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places
• living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory

What rights do students and unaccompanied youth have under McKinney Vento Act?

• Immediate School Enrollment:
  • Homeless children or youth can enroll at a new school immediately, even if the family is unable to provide required for enrollment.
• Access to a Free and Appropriate Education:
• School Choice:
  • Homeless children or youth can enroll or remain in a school district without permanent address. Students also have the right to stay within their district of origin (when feasible)
• Free Lunches:
  • Homeless students automatically qualify for free breakfast and lunch through the school year.
• School Fee Waivers:
  • Students have rights to equal access education and full participation
• Transportation:
  • Transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities will be proved within feasible extent

How do I access services?

For students new to the West Delaware school district looking to enroll, contact the school at: 563-927-3515

• For Lambert Elementary (Grades preK-4) press 1
• For Middle School (Grades 5-8) press 2
• For High School (Grades 9-12) press 3

For current students, contact Shelby Piersch, West Delaware's Homeless Liaison for more information as well as referrals to local community agencies.

If you, or someone you know is experiencing any of these situations, we are here to help. For questions and support, contact Shelby Piersch, West Delaware CCSD Local Homeless Liaison by phone at 563-927-3515 ext. 306 or email at shelbypiersch@w-delaware.k12.ia.us.