Homeless Liaison Services
Aurora City School District Homeless Services (McKinney-Vento Services)
The district’s Homeless Services ensure that students experiencing homelessness have full and equal access to educational opportunities, stability, and success regardless of their housing situation. Services are provided in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, a federal law that guarantees the educational rights of children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
The district’s Homeless Liaison works in partnership with school staff, families, community agencies, and state resources to identify eligible students, remove educational barriers, and support continuity of services while students and families navigate housing instability
Who Qualifies for Homeless Services?
Students may be eligible for McKinney-Vento support if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including:
- Living in shelters, transitional housing, or emergency housing
- Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason (doubling up)
- Living in motels, hotels, campgrounds, or trailer parks due to lack of alternative accommodations
- Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, public spaces, substandard housing, or other unstable living arrangements
- Youth who are unaccompanied (not living with a parent or legal guardian)
Eligibility applies to students from preschool through high school, including unaccompanied homeless youth.
Services Provided:
Immediate Enrollment and School Stability
- Enrollment assistance regardless of missing records (e.g., immunizations, proof of residency, school records, IEPs, birth certificates)
- Immediate school placement, including the option to remain in the school of origin or enroll in the school of current residence
- Transportation assistance to ensure stability and reduce disruptions in learning
- Dispute resolution assistance when enrollment or placement decisions are contested
Educational Support and Case Management
- Individualized support plans to monitor academic progress and address barriers to school success
- Assistance with school supplies, clothing, food access, hygiene items, and basic needs
- Coordination with food service to ensure immediate access to free school meals
- Referral to counseling, social-emotional, and mental health supports as needed
Coordination with Community and Government Agencies
- Referrals to housing, shelter, medical, legal, employment, and public assistance services
- Collaboration with local service providers, faith-based organizations, and state homeless resource agencies
- Support for families to navigate long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency programs
Advocacy and Family Support
- Liaison support for parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth to ensure full participation in academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities
- Parent education regarding rights under McKinney-Vento and available district/community resources
- Training for school staff on identification, sensitivity, and support strategies for students experiencing homelessness
Legal Compliance and Confidentiality
- Full compliance with McKinney-Vento Act, ESSA Title IX, FERPA, and Ohio Department of Education Homeless Education policies
- Confidentiality protections for student and family information
The Homeless Services Program ensures that homelessness does not create unnecessary obstacles to education. The district remains committed to safeguarding educational stability, providing wraparound supports, and promoting academic and personal success for every student facing housing insecurity.
Aurora City School District Homeless Services Liaison:
Mike Maglionico - Director of Pupil Services K-12