McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act Notice

Liberation Academy is committed to providing a high quality education and support for all students, including those experiencing homelessness. This notice is provided in compliance with the McKinney Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and in accordance with guidance from the Georgia Department of Education and the State Charter Schools Commission.

Who Is Considered Homeless?

Under the McKinney Vento Act, homeless children and youth are those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include students who are:

* Sharing the housing of others because of loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
* Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds because they do not have adequate alternative accommodations
* Living in emergency or transitional shelters
* Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or other places not designed for regular sleeping accommodations
* Unaccompanied youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian
* Migratory children living in any of the circumstances listed above

Educational Rights

Students experiencing homelessness have important educational rights, including:

Immediate Enrollment
Students must be enrolled right away, even if they do not have documents normally required for enrollment, such as academic records, immunization records, medical records, or proof of residency.

School Selection
Students may attend either the school of origin, meaning the school they attended when permanently housed or were last enrolled in, or the local school serving the area where they are currently staying. School placement decisions will be made based on the student’s best interest.

Transportation
Transportation to and from the school of origin may be available upon request from a parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth, when feasible.

Comparable Services
Eligible students must receive services comparable to those offered to other students, including transportation, school nutrition programs, educational support, and extracurricular activities.

Dispute Resolution
If there is a dispute over enrollment, school selection, or services, the student must be enrolled immediately in the school where enrollment is sought while the dispute is being resolved. Parents, guardians, or unaccompanied youth will receive a written explanation of the decision and information about how to appeal.

Contact Information
If your family or a student is experiencing homelessness and needs help with enrollment, school services, or support, please contact Liberation Academy’s McKinney Vento Liaison. All calls are confidential.

Liberation Academy McKinney Vento Liaison
Takisha Anderson
Director of Operations, Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 470 816 4912
Email: t.anderson@liberationacademy.org

Additional Resources

For more information or assistance, families may also contact the Georgia Department of Education State Homeless Division.

Georgia Department of Education
State Coordinator for Homeless Education
Phone: (404) 657 6111
Email: mvp@doe.k12.ga.us

To request a formal review or file a complaint, please contact the Liberation Academy McKinney Vento Liaison for the appropriate forms and procedures. Liberation Academy is committed to removing barriers to enrollment, attendance, and success for students experiencing homelessness.