McKinney-Vento

Immediate enrollment for students in transition

Students experiencing homelessness or in transition have the right to enroll in school immediately. Enrollment includes attending classes and taking part in all school activities from the first day. Enrolling immediately helps children stay connected to learning, friends, and meals. School offers stability and support during difficult times. Students in transition attend classes alongside their housed peers. Schools will not separate or single out students because of their housing situation.

Missing records or immunizations

Students experiencing homelessness do not need to provide documents that are usually required, such as previous school records, medical or immunization records, proof of residence, birth certificate or proof of guardianship. If you do not have immunization or medical records, the school liaison will help you get them after your child starts school. If school records are missing, the enrolling school will contact the previous school to request them. Your child can start right away while records are gathered.

Enrolling without a legal guardian

A student in transition may not be living with a parent or legal guardian. Sometimes, youth are staying with other adults or on their own. If a student qualifies under the McKinney-Vento Act, proof of guardianship or custody is not required. Schools cannot delay or deny enrollment because you do not have legal guardianship papers or you are unable to get legal guardianship within a certain time.

Unaccompanied youth must be enrolled right away. 

School Placement

We are here to help you choose the option that best meets your child’s needs. Students experiencing transition have the right to attend either:

• The school of origin – the school the student attended when permanently housed or the school last enrolled in.
• The base school – the school assigned to the student’s current address, even if temporary.

Requesting a different school

If you want your child to attend a school other than the school of origin or base school, submit a transfer request through the Office of Student Assignment or call 919-431-7333. If approved, you may need to arrange transportation.

Capped schools

Many schools have reached the maximum number of students they can effectively teach. Capped schools must allow students in transition to return (regardless of the cap) if the student qualifies for the McKinney-Vento Program, and the student attended the capped school in the prior or current school year.

Special Education placements

If your child receives special education services, they may be placed in the school or classroom that best meets their needs. If you disagree with this placement, you can request a review through the Special Education Services appeals process.

Application and magnet schools

If you applied and were approved for a magnet or application school while your child was in transition, your student is eligible for the same transportation services (express or neighborhood) as other students at that school.

Title 1 Preschool

The Title I Pre-Kindergarten Program offers a child-centered, developmentally appropriate experience for 4-year-old children who need extra academic support. If your family is experiencing homelessness, you can get help with preschool enrollment. You do not need to provide a birth certificate or proof of residency if you qualify for McKinney-Vento services.

Special Education Preschool

These services are for children ages 3–5 with disabilities who need specially designed instruction. If your family is in transition and you think your child may need special education services, contact:  Child Find Office at (919) 431-7700 or child-find-office@wcpss.net. A social worker will help you with the process and connect you to resources.

Learn more about the applications for NC Pre-K, Head Start, Title I Pre-K, or Child Care Subsidy

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you are an unaccompanied homeless youth, you can apply for federal financial aid as an independent student. This means you do not need to include your parent information on the FAFSA form.

You may also qualify for:

• Fee waivers for Advanced Placement (AP) exams

• Fee waivers for college entrance exams

• College application fee waivers

How to verify independent status

Your school McKinney-Vento liaison can help determine if you qualify as an unaccompanied homeless youth. If you qualify, the liaison will provide a verification form during your senior year of high school.

After high school

If you have already graduated and need help verifying your status, please contact:

• A shelter representative, if you live in a shelter

• A financial aid administrator at your college 

Helpful Links

• Students Without an Address – College Foundation of North Carolina

• Residency Determination Status Information (PDF)

• Scholarships for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth – NCHE

If your student is eligible for transportation services through the McKinney-Vento Program, please contact your school’s McKinney-Vento liaison. We are here to help you submit a transportation request.

Once approved, transportation will be provided between your current residence and your child’s school. Requests for other locations, such as child care centers, require approval by the transportation department.

To request transportation support, your liaison can submit a request form on your behalf.

Need assistance?

• District Transportation Customer Service at 919-805-3030, option 5
• Learn about the Here Comes the Bus app to track your bus

 

Eligible students receive free meals during the school year. You do not need to complete a Free and Reduced-Price Meals application.