Project PRAISE stands for “Providing Requisite Academic and Instructional Services Equitably”. This program, under the Federal Programs Department of the District, assures that the school system is compliant with the McKinney-Vento Act for homeless and unaccompanied youth attending our public schools.
What is the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized by Title IX, Part A, ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Who is considered homeless under the McKinney-Vento Act?
Any school aged child who “lacks a fixed, adequate place for sleeping”, may be considered eligible for McKinney-Vento Services. These situations include:
Living in a shelter
Staying in a motel or campground due to lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
Living in a car, park, or abandoned building
Doubled up with other people due to a loss of housing or economic hardship
If you have a student that is currently living in one of the above situations, you may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act. These rights include:
Receive a free, appropriate public education
Enroll in school immediately, even lacking documents normally required for enrollment and registration. These documents include not having photo ID, birth certificates, social security cards, immunization forms, school physicals, documentation of housing location and parental guardianship.
Enroll in school and attend classes while those documents are obtained
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students according to the students’ needs.