Students Experiencing Homelessness- Know Your Rights

The educational rights of homeless students in NY are protected by the
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This act provides homeless
students with the right to free school meals and services that are comparable
to those offered to students at school. Homeless students are entitled to immediate
enrollment in the school, regardless of whether the student lacks the required documentation,
such as proof of address. If a child is homeless, they have the right to designate their school
of choice. Homeless children can enroll in either-

(1) the school district where the student is currently temporarily housed, known as the
“school district of current location”; or

(2) the school district where the student last permanently resided before becoming
homeless, known as the “school district of origin”.

Homeless students are also entitled to transportation services to and from their designated
school district of choice. To learn more, please visit our resource page dedicated to this topic.

Legal Services of Long Island’s Education and Disability Rights Project (EDRP) is a bi-county project that
represents students with disabilities between the ages of 3-21 in Special Education matters, including
attendance at Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, Resolution Sessions, and Impartial
Hearings. In addition, the EDRP assists students with issues pertaining to residency and homelessness and
helps adults with developmental disabilities to secure eligibility and services through the Office of People with
Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Please call the office closest to you to see if you are eligible for legal
services. Interpreters are available. Suffolk residents can call 631-232-2400. Nassau residents can call 516
292-8100.