The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11431-11435) defines homeless children or youth as those individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence.

The McKinney-Vento Act states that children and youth who lack a "fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence" will be considered homeless. The Act does not define those terms. However, the following definitions may provide guidance:
(1) Fixed: Securely placed or fastened; Not subject to change or fluctuation. (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.) A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change. (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts and Michigan McKinney-Vento State Plans, 2002.)
(2) Regular: Normal, standard; Constituted, conducted, or done in conformity with established or prescribed usages, rules, or discipline; Recurring, attending, or functioning at fixed or uniform intervals. (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.) A regular residence is one which is used on a regular (i.e. nightly) basis. (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts and Michigan McKinney-Vento State Plans, 2002.)
(3) Adequate: Sufficient for a specific requirement; Lawfully and reasonably sufficient (Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition.) An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments. (e.g., Arizona, Massachusetts and Michigan McKinney-Vento State Plans, 2002.)


Please contact our McKinney-Vento Liaison, Tricia Brown tbrown@dickson.k12.ok.us or at (580)226-0633 ext. 603, with any questions. You can find more information regarding McKinney-Vento on the Oklahoma State Department of Education website. For more information on available resources for students who qualify for assistance due to McKinney-Vento status, check out our brochure.