The Homeless Education Program (HEP) is dedicated to ensuring that all children and youth experiencing homelessness have access to public education which they are entitled under the federal McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act. The HEP mission is to ensure that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate public education, comparable to that provided to the children of any Arizona resident and consistent with Arizona's mandatory school attendance laws.
Parent and Family Rights
- Your child can be enrolled in school, even if you do not have required documents such as a birth certificate or shot records.
- Your child may be to stay at the same school, and you may be able to receive transportation to that school.
- Your child can receive free school breakfast and lunch.
Who Qualifies for the McKinney-Vento Act?
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence." The act provides examples of children who would fall under this definition:
- Children and youth:
- sharing housing due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
- living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations;
- living in emergency or transitional shelters
- abandoned in hospitals;
- whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc.);
- living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations;
- Migratory children and youth living in any of the above situations.
If you would like to learn more about the Coolidge Homeless Program contact:
Ana Garcia
Homeless/Foster Care Liaison
(520) 723-2040 Ext. 2425
