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Cover page of the NCHE brief titled "Enrolling Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness in School," featuring the McKinney-Vento Act's definition of homelessness and an introduction to school enrollment rights and barriers.

Enrolling Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness in School

This NCHE brief describes the common enrollment barriers faced by children and youth experiencing homelessness (CYEH), summarizes the key school enrollment provisions in Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, and provides strategies to ensure immediate enrollment and full participation for CYEH. The brief is organized around the four topics: enrollment barriers, immediate enrollment, school selection, and full participation in school.

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Date Published: April 2026

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