​The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines "homeless children and youths" as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence." However, because the circumstances of homelessness vary with each family's or unaccompanied youth's situation, determining the extent to which the family or youth fits the definition must occur on a case-by-case basis. Enrollment staff  and/or the local homeless education liaison must gather and analyze information from the family or youth and make an appropriate determination of eligibility. Expeditious determination of eligibility and immediate school enrollment are critical to the child's educational continuity. If you think that you meet this criteria, please call the Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth, Laura Barnes, at (770) 860-4274, or Kathia Brown, Homeless Case Manager, at 770-761-1448.

What Families Need to Know About the Rights of Homeless Children

• Homeless children have a right to enroll in and attend school immediately.
• Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available.
• Children experiencing homelessness have the right to stay in their home school if it is in the best interest of the child.
• If you request enrollment in the school of origin and the school determines that it is NOT feasible, the school must provide a written explanation. You have the right to appeal the decision. Your child will be enrolled in the school you request pending resolution of the dispute.
• Your child has the right to transportation services to and form the school of origin while experiencing homelessness.
• Your child has the right to receive free lunch while experiencing homelessness.
• Your child has the right to receive the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children served in these programs.

Register your child at the Student Registration office at 1143 West Avenue in the Support Services building.