The McKinney-Vento Act was enacted due to the numerous barriers homeless children  faced in obtaining a free, appropriate public education.

The role of education in the life of a homeless child is crucial.  In a life that is filled with uncertainty, school is a place of safety.  Something as simple as a desk to call their own can provide a homeless child with a sense of routine and ownership.  A free, appropriate, public education is also a right to which homeless children and youth are legally entitled.  This right put into practice has the potential to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness that may otherwise continue.  For a homeless child, the importance of a stable, quality education is immeasurable.

If you have questions regarding the education of homeless children please contact: Dr. Erika Pettis Email:  emillhouse@ sd171.org  or Mrs. Salgado, Sunnybrook School District Phone: (708) 895-0790 EXT. 2206  Email: dsalgado@sd171.org.