The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
The federal education definition of homelessness is Individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include those who are:
sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
staying in motels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to the lack of an adequate alternative;
staying in shelters or intermediate housing;
or sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, or similar settings
includes migratory children who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances that fit the federal definition of homelessness
Resource: Infographic on the education definition of homelessness.
Resource: 42 USC CHAPTER 119, SUBCHAPTER VI, Part B: Education for Homeless Children and Youths
All Local Education Agencies (LEAs), also referred to as school districts, are required by the McKinney-Vento Act to designate a district liaison to assist children and youth experiencing homelessness with enrollment in school, as well as ensuring all services that the student is entitled to are received.
For more information, contact your local McKinney-Vento Liaison or reach out to Region 5 ESC.
Region 5 McKinney-Vento Liaison Directory
McKinney-Vento Resource Guide
This guide has many resources and community-based organizations throughout the Region 5 area that are ready to serve Southeast Texas.
McKinney-Vento Resources from the Texas Education Agency
Have you visited the new TEHCY web portal?
If not, you are missing out! The TEA TEHCY team recently announced the launch of the new TEHCY Portal. Click the link below to access this site full of current McKinney-Vento resources. You will find guidance documents, sample forms, the new discipline toolkit, and much more!
Upcoming HMAR Quarterly Webinar (SY 25-26)
2025–26 HMAR Webinars
PLEASE NOTE: All HMAR webinars are recorded and will be posted to this HMAR Webinar webpage after the event. Additionally, Continuing Professional Education (CPE) certificates are provided to those who (a) attend live AND (b) complete the end-of-webinar feedback survey.
Completed Webinars/Trainings
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #1 (September 18, 2025): Recording | PDF of Presentation Deck
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #2 (November 13, 2025): Recording | PDF of Presentation Deck
Upcoming Webinars (1:00 - 2:30 PM CST)
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #3 (February 5, 2026): Registration Link
HMAR Quarterly Webinar #4 (May 7, 2026): Registration Link
For a comprehensive, printable PDF listing of all HMAR and individual program webinars and professional development opportunities for the 2025–26 school year, please visit the following resource: 2025-26 HMAR Professional Development Opportunities.
Resources
Sample Intake Form (PDF)
Immunization Flow Chart (PDF)
Dispute Resolution (PDF)
For more information, visit the Texas Education Agency TEHCY website by clicking below. The site has many current resources and also has a complete list of all Texas ESC Regional McKinney-Vento Liaisons and current training and resources.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS TEA RESOURCES
NEW!! The TEHCY Discipline Toolkit
This toolkit presents clear and specific descriptions of the provisions of the McKinney-Vento Act as they pertain to discipline and includes practices, procedures, and tools that local education agencies (LEAs) will be able to use to strengthen services and supports to students experiencing homelessness, also known as McKinney-Vento eligible students.
McKinney-Vento Posters
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released two versions of the McKinney-Vento posters. One to assist parents of school-age youth and a second to assist unaccompanied youth. The posters are available in both English and Spanish.
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) can download the digital files below and post this information on their LEA homeless education program webpage. LEAs should collaborate with their school staff and community partners (e.g. food pantries, faith-based organizations, local housing authorities, shelters, etc.) to share printed copies of this poster.
Contact the McKinney-Vento team at the Texas Education Agency:
Dr. Ann Le
Manger HMAR Program
John Dobbins
HMAR Program Specialist
Helpful McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Resources
National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE)
National Coalition for Homeless
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
Technical Assistance to LEA Liaisons
Do you have a question about the McKinney-Vento Act and/or the rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness? If so, Region 5 McKinney-Vento Staff can help. Reach out to Region 5 by clicking on the link below and completing the short form. The Region 5 staff will be notified immediately and will contact you as soon as possible.
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
You can also reach us by phone (409)951-1877 or email at mckinney-vento@esc5.net.
Need Assistance?
Contact us!
Call: (409) 951-1877
View program resources
Program information from Region 5, checked September 7, 2026. View the official source page.