Annual Notifications

McKinney-Vento Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act “homeless children and youth mean individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” and includes those: 

• living with a friend, relative, or somewhere else because they lost their home and whose family can’t access permanent housing due to financial constraints; 
• who are staying in a motel or hotel due to a lack of adequate alternative accommodations; 
• who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; or
• living in an emergency or transitional shelter or domestic violence shelter.

You have the right to:

• receive a free, appropriate public education; 
• enroll in school immediately • enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents; 
• continue attending the school of origin, or enroll in the local attendance area school if attending the school of origin is not in the best interest of the student or is contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth ; 
• receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested by the parent or guardian, or by the local liaison on behalf of an unaccompanied youth; and 
• receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to each student’s needs. 

If you are experiencing displacement, or you need help, please contact Dr. Kristy LaPorte, Director of Special Services and McKinney-Vento Liaison at 860-896-2300 or email klaporte@ellingtonschools.net

• A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Connecticut 2021
• A Parent’s Guide to Special Education in Connecticut 2021 – Spanish Version
• Connecticut IEP Manual (2022)
• Building a Bridge: A Resource Manual for High School Students (2009)
• Transition Bill of Rights for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services (2024)
• Unified Sports
• Laws Relating to Seclusion and Restraint
• Understanding Decision-Making Options (CSDE Website): Transfer of Rights for Students at Age 18
• Other useful information can be found at the state department site

Special Education Standard Operating Procedures

Title IX Policy

Title IX Complaint Form

Title IX Overview of the Law

Department Final Rule Title IX

Title IX Gender Equity-Harassment regulations

Title IX Training – EPS Staff