• McKinney-Vento (Homeless Assistance)
McKinney vento

  • Homeless Support Program

    Warren Township High School's program for students experiencing housing instability under The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures students have access to education and can fully participate in school. We encourage student’s education by removing barriers that would limit their ability to fully engage and participate in school activities and events. We strive to partner with families to stay involved in their student’s education by providing resources and community referrals to assist with educational support services and basic needs.

    Students who are experiencing homelessness have the right to remain in their school of origin or enroll in the local attendance area school nearest to their nighttime residence. Upon request, transportation is provided for eligible students so they can remain in their school of origin if it is in the student's best interest. 

    Transportation requests may be made by:

    • Contact the District : calling the McKinney-Vento District Liaison, Janice Zimmerman at 847-548-6853 or emailing jzimmerman@wths.net.

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that guarantees all children and youth the right to an equal education regardless of their living situation.  Protection under the McKinney-Vento Act extends to those who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:

    • Children and youth sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship or a similar reason
    • Children and youth living in emergency or transitional shelters or transitional housing (this generally includes a time limit on the housing assistance and case management by the housing agency)
    • Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camp grounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
    • Children and youth abandoned in hospitals
    • Children and youth living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations
    • Children and youth whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc)
    • Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations

    Families should complete the district's Housing Questionnaire and submit it to the McKinney-Vento Liaison to see if your child(ren) may be eligible for McKinney-Vento services. 

    Local Housing Resources are also available through:

  • UNDER THE MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT, YOUR ELIGIBLE CHILDREN HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

    The McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students.

    • Receive a free, appropriate public education.
    • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
    • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
    • Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference. **If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
    • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
    • Receive educational services comparable to those provided for other students, according to your children’s needs.

    If you believe your children may be eligible, please contact the support liaison below to find out what services and supports may be available.