ESSA
Laws, Policy, and Guidance
Education for Homeless Children and Youths (EHCY) Program: Non-Regulatory Guidance
This U.S. Department of Education non-regulatory guidance provides information to help state educational agencies (SEAs) and local educational agencies (LEAs) implement the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
The guidance addresses key requirements and promising practices related to identifying and supporting children and youth experiencing homelessness, immediate enrollment, school of origin and school stability, transportation, dispute resolution, local liaison responsibilities, use of funds, coordination with Title I, early childhood, unaccompanied youth, and access to postsecondary education. This August 2026 update includes new guidance in questions H-4 and H-5.