Serving Families in Transition

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act affords eligible students the rights to immediate enrollment, transportation/busing, automatic enrollment in the free/reduced lunch program, automatic enrollment in Title I services, all school-based services of which they qualify, participate in all programs and activities offered to students and families and challenge enrollment/school-choice decisions.

 Who is Eligible for FIT Services According to the McKinney-Vento Act? 

The term “homeless children and youth” refers to individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Under the law, a child may qualify as homeless if he or she is:

•  Living in an emergency shelter, domestic violence shelter, or transitional housing;

•  Living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or campground, were abandoned in a hospital;

•  Living in a car, park, public place, bus or train station, abandoned building, or other structure not meant for housing;

•  Doubled-up with relatives or friends due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;

• An Unaccompanied Youth is a youth NOT living with a parent or legal guardian and living in a situation that meets one of the four definitions listed above.

 How does the McKinney-Vento program work at St Regis School District?

St Regis School District has a homeless liaison to advocate for families and to assist them in coordinating the academic support for their students. The liaison works closely with staff members  within the building to assure eligible families receive needed support. The liaison assists families with immediate school enrollment for eligible students (regardless of missing immunization or academic records), arranges for busing or transportation assistance, and refers students for tutoring services. When applying for colleges the liaison can also assist in the FAFSA process by sending official letters of eligibility to campus financial aid offices. 

For more information or assistance with determining eligibility, contact the homeless Liaison:

Tyler Cheesman

Homeless Liaison

90 Tiger Street

St Regis MT 59866

406-649-2311 x210

cheesmant@stregis.k12.mt.us

How can I access McKinney-Vento services?

If you feel your child or family meets one or more of the qualifications to receive services provided by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and your child is currently or will be enrolled at St Regis School, please contact the homeless liaison, Joe Steele at 406-649-2311.  You may also fill out the MCPS Student Residency Questionnaire which you may request from your school secretary or download here for your convenience.  Student Residency Questionnaire