Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Bertie County Schools Logo

Logo Title

Homeless Education

Welcome to Homeless Education in Bertie County Schools

Bertie County Schools is committed to ensuring that all students have access to a free, appropriate public education—no matter their housing situation. We recognize that families and children may sometimes experience instability or loss of permanent housing, and our goal is to remove barriers so students can continue their education without interruption.

Contacts

McKinney-Vento Act Overview

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

A school-aged child or youth is considered homeless if they are living in any of the following situations:

  • In a shelter
  • In a motel or hotel
  • In a car, park, trailer, or campground
  • Doubled up with relatives or friends due to economic hardship or loss of housing
  • In any other situation that is inadequate for regular nighttime residence

Rights of Students Experiencing Homelessness

Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students experiencing homelessness have the right to:

  • Attend public school regardless of where they live or how long they have lived there.
  • Continue in their school of origin (the school attended before becoming homeless or the last school attended), if feasible.
  • Receive transportation to and from their school of origin.
  • Enroll in school without a permanent address or required documents that may delay enrollment.
  • Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of records.
  • Enroll and attend the school of choice while disputes are being resolved.

Referral Process

  1. Referral Submission – A referral is made to the school.
  2. School Support – The school counselor or social worker assists with completing the referral form and the verification process. Student support services (cafeteria, transportation, etc.) are notified.
  3. Liaison Review – The referral is sent to the district Homeless Liaison for further verification and processing.
  4. Family Contact – The family is contacted regarding the referral and next steps.

ResourceS