Information for parents and school aged youth IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children. Florida Department of Education • Bureau of Federal Education Programs Homeless Education Program • Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400 • 850-245-0479 / bfep@fldoe.org

• In a shelter 
• In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation
• In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station
• Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Eligible students have the right to:
• Receive a free appropriate public education.
• Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
• Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
• Enroll in the local school; or continue attending their 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*.
• Received transportation to and from the
school of origin if you request this.
• Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children’s needs.

* If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision. 

For more information regarding HEART please view here