Valley View ISD

What is the McKinney-Vento Act?

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures all children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to a free and appropriate public education. It provides support for students and families in transition, helping to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success.

In Texas, this is further supported by Texas Education Code (TEC) §§ 25.001, 25.002, and 29.153, which outline educational rights for students experiencing homelessness.

Who Qualifies as Homeless?

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, homeless children and youth are defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:

• Children and youth:

  • Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason

  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternatives

  • Staying in emergency or transitional shelters

  • Abandoned in hospitals or awaiting foster care placement

• Those living in places not meant for regular sleeping (e.g., parks, cars, abandoned buildings, substandard housing)

• Migratory children living in the above conditions

How Do Students Qualify for Services?

If you or someone you know may qualify for McKinney-Vento support:

1. Contact your campus counselor or administrator.

2. A school staff member will speak with the student’s parent or guardian to gather information and determine eligibility.

3. The identification process follows standard procedures across Texas school systems.

For more details, visit the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) Program.

Valley View ISD McKinney-Vento Liaison

Shelly Wendt
📧Shelly Wendt
📞 940-726-3659 ext. 317