Enrolling Students Experiencing Homelessness in School
HETAC Resources
Prompt and Proper Placement: Enrolling Students Experiencing Homelessness without Records
This HETAC tip sheet outlines McKinney-Vento Act requirements related to immediate enrollment and school records for students experiencing homelessness, and suggests strategies to help school districts develop a streamlined approach to initial student assessment when complete school records are not present.
Removing Barriers: Immediate Enrollment, Records, and Immunizations for Students Experiencing Homelessness (archived webinar)
This April 2026 HETAC webinar, cohosted with the California Department of Education (CDE), reviews McKinney-Vento Act requirements related to student enrollment, immunization, and access to health records. Participants learn the responsibilities of schools and local liaisons in ensuring immediate enrollment, removing barriers to required immunizations, and supporting families through referrals and transportation assistance. Presenters also share practical strategies for developing protocols for record requests, referral systems, and partnerships with local clinics or school-based health providers to help students receive timely immunizations and related services.
Other Resources
Memorandum on Immediate School Enrollment from Former Surgeon General Dr. Joycelyn Elders
This 2007 memo from Dr. Joycelyn Elders explains that students and the broader community are protected by the same natural public health controls, often called “herd immunity”, that protect students exempted from school enrollment-related immunization requirements for medical reasons. The memo also affirms that, due to herd immunity, the McKinney-Vento Act's immediate enrollment and full school participation requirements do not present a significant health risk to the student body or school community.
This National Center for Homeless Education webpage provides informational and practical resources on enrolling students experiencing homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.
The McKinney-Vento Act requires state and local educational agencies to remove barriers to the school enrollment of children and youth experiencing homelessness. This SchoolHouse Connection webpage recommends strategies for ensuring that online enrollment processes are accessible for youth and families experiencing homelessness.
Sample Materials
California Courts | Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit
This California Courts affidavit may be used to authorize school enrollment and school-related medical care for a minor.
(Note: This affidavit may be used as a tool to facilitate the immediate enrollment of unaccompanied youth, but may not be required as a condition for school enrollment for youth who don't have a person who is willing and able to fulfill the caregiver role.)
California Department of Education: Model Housing Questionnaire and Instructions for Usage
Under California’s Assembly Bill (AB) 27, school districts must administer a housing questionnaire to all students annually to ensure the identification of children and youth experiencing homelessness. This questionnaire must include an explanation of the rights of students experiencing homelessness. This California Department of Education sample questionnaire can be used by districts as is - including as part of their enrollment process - or customized to meet local needs to meet this statutory requirement.