Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, children and youth who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate place to live have the right to a free, appropriate public education — the same as any other student. This includes students living in shelters, motels, cars, campgrounds, or temporarily doubled-up with another family because of loss of housing or economic hardship, and youth on their own without a parent or guardian.
These students have the right to
- Enroll in school immediately, even without the records normally required (proof of residency, immunizations, school records, or birth certificate).
- Stay in their school of origin for the rest of the year, if that is in the student’s best interest, with transportation provided.
- Receive transportation to and from the school of origin.
- Get the same access to programs and services — including free meals, special education, and activities — as other students.
- Receive a written explanation and the right to dispute any enrollment or placement decision.
Get help or enroll
If you think your family may qualify, contact the district’s McKinney-Vento liaison. All conversations are kept confidential.
To confirmRirie School District McKinney-Vento Liaison · PO Box 568, Ririe, ID 83442 · (208) 538-7311 — name and direct line to confirmConfirm the district's current McKinney-Vento / Homeless Liaison name, title, and direct line. Many small Idaho districts assign this to the counselor or the Director of Special Services — confirm before publishing.