Rapoport Academy is committed to ensuring that all school-aged homeless children are entitled to the same free and appropriate public education that is provided to non-homeless students. Schools are required to remove barriers to the enrollment, attendance, and academic success of homeless students.

If you or someone you know living in any of the following situations they may be eligible for services:

• In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
• On the street
• Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing
• In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations

 
What is the McKinney-Vento Program? 
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is Title X, Part C of the No Child Left Behind Act. This law protects and ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to appropriate public education and are presented with the opportunity to experience success in school. The program protects children who are living in transitional housing situations and states that any student lacking a fixed, regular or adequate place to live is eligible for this program.

Specifically, if students live under any of these conditions:

• Living in a shelter (family, youth or domestic violence shelter or transitional living program)
• Living in a motel, hotel or weekly rate housing
• Living in a house or apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss
• Living in an abandoned building, in a car, at a campground or on the street
• Living in substandard housing (without electricity, heat or water)
• Living with friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth

Under this legislation, a student is guaranteed enrollment in school, as well as, the opportunity to benefit from a variety of services to help meet educational needs.

Services may include the following based on need and supply availability:

• Backpacks and school supplies upon request
• Free and reduced lunch program at school
• Assistance in finding health, welfare and other county resources
• Make educational needs linkages in the community
• School enrollment assistance as needed

Catrena Thomas, Homeless Liason
(254) 754-8000 ext. 2010 
catmason@rapswaco.org