McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Act ensures educational rights for children experiencing homelessness or transition.

Wake Preparatory Academy Students in Transition is our program for students transitioning from homelessness. This program allows for a shortened enrollment process as well as special accommodations for the student.

Students with an irregular or inadequate nighttime residence can be considered homeless. This may include:

• Students living in shared housing due to loss of housing or financial hardship
• Students living in public spaces, cars, hotels, or campgrounds due to lack of adequate accommodations
• Students living in shelters or transitional housing
• Students who live unaccompanied, whether they have run away or have been denied housing by their families

Homeless students have the right to:

• Free and appropriate education
• Enrollment and attendance at school, even if typically required information is missing (e.g. permanent address)
• Attend the school they last attended, if possible
• Transportation to and from school (to the extent possible)

Wake Preparatory Academy staff works to provide resources and support to Students in Transition as soon as they are identified. This may include help providing uniforms, school supplies, and basic toiletries, as well as other forms of support. Needs will be identified on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact our McKinney-Vento District Liaisons, Lauren Hatchel at lhatchel@wakeprep.org or Julie Saunders jsaunders@wakeprep.org

Parents should contact their child’s current school and explain the situation. Obtain any records the school has (including immunization records) and provide the school with a new address, if possible. Also, enroll your child in school as soon as possible, to expedite the process and avoid problems.

We want to do our part in easing the educational burden of our students and their families. To see how American Leadership Academy can benefit your student, schedule a campus tour today. We’d love to show you around and answer whatever questions you might have about the programs we offer. We look forward to meeting you!

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