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McKinney-Vento Homeless Education

Thompson School District is dedicated to supporting students and families experiencing homelessness through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program.

This program ensures all students have equal access to a free, appropriate public education, regardless of their housing situation.

Understanding McKinney-Vento

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that provides educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Under this act, homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes children and youth who are:

  • Sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing.
  • Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations.
  • Staying in emergency or transitional shelters.
  • Abandoned in hospitals.
  • Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

Colorado Department of Education Resources

Services Provided by Thompson School District

Thompson School District's McKinney-Vento Program offers a range of services to remove barriers to education for homeless students, including:

  • Immediate Enrollment: Assisting with immediate school enrollment, even if required documents are unavailable.
  • Transportation: Coordinating transportation to and from the student's school of origin to maintain educational stability.
  • Comparable Services: Ensuring access to services comparable to those provided to housed peers, such as free meals, educational programs, and extracurricular activities.
  • Support Services: Providing referrals to community resources, health care, and other support services as needed.

For more information or assistance, please contact TSD's McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison, Erica Wooldridge, at erica.wooldridge@tsd.org.

Thompson School District is committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically, regardless of their housing circumstances. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, please reach out for support.

Additional Resources