McKinney-Vento
ATTENTION: Immediate Enrollment of Students Experiencing Homelessness
Laurel Public Schools is committed to ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness are provided immediate access to a free, appropriate public education in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
Students identified as experiencing homelessness will be enrolled immediately, even if they are unable to provide documents normally required for enrollment, including proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificates, school records, or other required documentation.
The District's McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison Christina Petersen will work directly with families, schools, and community agencies to obtain immunization records, educational records, birth certificates, and any other necessary enrollment documentation. While these records are being obtained, the student will remain fully enrolled and allowed to attend school without delay.
Laurel Public Schools will remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and participation in school to ensure that students experiencing homelessness receive equal access to educational opportunities and services.
Laurel Public Schools McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program
Accessing Support
If you know of a Laurel Public Schools student who may be experiencing homelessness or is in need of support, please contact the Homeless Education Liaison or complete the district's McKinney-Vento referral form.
For Laurel Public Schools Staff:
If you believe a student or family may qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, please complete the district referral form. The Homeless Education Liaison will follow up with the student and family to determine eligibility and coordinate available supports.
For Parents/Guardians or Students:
If you are experiencing homelessness or housing instability and need assistance, please contact your child's school principal or the Laurel Public Schools Homeless Education Liaison.
Student & Family Support
Laurel Public Schools is committed to identifying and supporting students experiencing homelessness by connecting families with educational services and available community resources.
The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Program is to ensure that every child and youth experiencing homelessness has equal access to a free, appropriate public education and the opportunity to meet the same challenging academic standards as all students.
How Do We Determine if a Student Qualifies?
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence may qualify for services.
This includes students who are:
- Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
- Living in hotels or motels because alternative adequate housing is unavailable.
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters.
- Living in cars, parks, campgrounds, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
- Living in substandard housing (for example, housing without electricity, running water, or adequate heat).
- Living in places not designed for regular sleeping accommodations.
- Unaccompanied youth who are not living in the physical custody of a parent or legal guardian and lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Educational Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness
Students identified under the McKinney-Vento Act have the right to:
- Attend school regardless of where they are living.
- Remain enrolled in their school of origin, when it is in the student's best interest.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, when eligible.
- Enroll in school immediately, even if typically required documents are unavailable.
- Attend classes while school records, immunization records, or other enrollment documents are obtained.
- Receive free school meals if eligible.
- Receive the same educational services available to all students, including:
- Special Education
- Section 504 Services
- Title I Services
- Gifted and Talented Programs
- English Learner Services
- Career and Technical Education
- Preschool Programs
- Extracurricular Activities
- Participate fully in school without discrimination based on housing status.
Contact Information
Laurel Public Schools
Student Services Department
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison
Christina Avila-Petersen, M.S. Ed., Ed.S.
Director of Student Services
606 S 5th St.
Laurel, MT 59044
406-628-3360 Ext. 3311
christina_petersen@laurel.k12.
Policies & Resources
For additional information regarding McKinney-Vento services, please contact the Homeless Education Liaison.
District policies available upon request include:
- Education for Homeless Children and Youth
- Enrollment of Homeless Students
- School Stability (School of Origin)
- Transportation
- Dispute Resolution Procedures
- Uniform Complaint Procedures
- McKinney-Vento Referral Process
Laurel Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all children and youth experiencing homelessness receive equitable educational opportunities and the support necessary for academic success.
