The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act defines “homeless children and youths” as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” However, because the circumstances of homelessness vary with each family’s or unaccompanied youth’s situation, determining the extent to which the family or youth fits the definition must occur on a case-by-case basis. Enrollment staff and/or the local homeless education liaison must gather and analyze information from the family or youth and make an appropriate determination of eligibility. Expeditious determination of eligibility and immediate school enrollment are critical to the child’s educational continuity.

The Board has designated the following individual to act as the district's homeless coordinator: Mrs. Jess Lambert, 1031 Brown Pilot Lane, Dexter, MO at #573-614-1000.

The district shall inform school personnel, service providers and advocates working with homeless families of the duties of the district homeless coordinator. The homeless coordinator will ensure that homeless students are identified by school personnel and by other entities and agencies with which the school coordinates activities; enroll and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in schools in the district; receive educational services for which they are eligible including Head Start, Even Start, and preschool programs administered by the district ,as well as referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services and other appropriate services based on their assessed needs; informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children; educational rights of homeless students is disseminated where such students receive services, such as schools, family shelters, and soup kitchens; enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with law; informed of all transportation services including transportation to the school of origin and is assisted in accessing transportation to the school selected; assisted in placement or enrollment decisions where their views will be considered and they will be provided notice of the right to appeal; obtain immunizations or medical records will receive assistance.