If your family lives in any of the following situations:
- Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- In a shelter, motel, or campground
- Or some other inadequate accommodation
Your school-aged child may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
If your child is eligible, he/she has the right to:
- Receive the free, appropriate public education to which he/she is entitled.
- Be enrolled in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
- Be enrolled in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documentation.
- Enroll in the local school near where he or she is living; or continue attending his/her school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
- Receive educational services comparable to those provided to all other student, according to your child’s need.
- Receive clothing, supplies and other services if needed or requested.
If you believe your children may be eligible, contact Lauren Eberenz, Ocean Township’s Homeless Education Liaison.
Lauren Eberenz
Homeless Liaison
Phone:(609) 693-3131, extension 124
Email: LEberenz@otsdk6.org
Pheobie Thomas
State Coordinator
McKinney Vento/Migrant Education Program
New Jersey Dept. of Ed.
PO Box 500
Trenton, NJ 08625-0500
609-376-3515
Pheobie.Thomas@doe.nj.gov