Title IX-A: Education for Homeless
Children & Youth
The Title IX-A Education for Homeless Children and Youth section of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) ensures that students who lack a fixed and regular nighttime residence are provided a free, public education. It was most recently reauthorized as Title IX-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) on December 10, 2015.
Title IX-A of The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
The Act ensures the educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness and includes:
- The right to immediate enrollment in school even without giving a permanent address.
- The right to attend school in the school of origin (if requested and is feasible), or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.
- The right to receive transportation to the school of origin.
- The right to services comparable to those received by housed schoolmates.
- The right to attend school along with children not experiencing homelessness.
- The posting of homeless student rights in all schools and other places around the community.
2026 College Starter Kit Program
The Idaho Department of Education’s Homeless Children & Youth Program is offering an opportunity for graduating high school students in Idaho who are experiencing homelessness to participate in the College Starter Kit Program. This program is designed to prepare incoming college students for a successful transition to college.
Selected participants will receive a college starter kit containing essential items including a laptop, school supplies, bedding, and other items necessary for first-year college students.
In addition to these supplies, participants will receive customized resources, a college prep orientation, and ongoing support throughout their first year in college.
To apply for this program, please see the College Starter Kit Program Information link. Applications are due by April 1, 2026.
Helpful Resources
To access resources, click the appropriate + sign below.
ARP – Homeless 1 and 2 Information
Program Development & Monitoring Support
Needs Assessment, Program Funding & Title I-A Set-aside (FA-2 & FA-12)
Allowable Use of Funds (FA-3)
Homeless Education Services & Identification (SID-10)
- Housing Survey
- Identifying Children and Youth in Homeless Situations
- McKinney-Vento Eligibility & Services Flowchart
- McKinney-Vento Evaluation/Eligibility Determination Form
- McKinney-Vento Supports Sample Checklist
- McKinney-Vento Written Notification for Student Transfers
- Services & Supports: What Does the Law Say?
- Written Notification of McKinney-Vento Eligibility
Data Collection & Record Keeping Guidance (SID-11)
Homeless Liaison Duties (PROG-36)
Homeless Education Policy Information (PROG-39)
Removing Barriers for Full Participation (PROG-40)
- Charter School Guidance
- IDHSAA Eligibility Regulation Hardship Waiver Transfer Guidelines
- Inter-District Transportation Agreement
- McKinney-Vento Act and School Fees
- McKinney-Vento Gas Card Accountability
- McKinney-Vento Transportation Questions
- Navigating Intersection of MV and IDEA
- Transportation Agreement
Notice of Educational Rights (PROG-41)
McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution (PROG-43)
- Dispute Resolution Process – Best Interest Placement
- Dispute Resolution Process – Eligibility
- Idaho McKinney-Vento Dispute Flowchart
- McKinney-Vento Dispute Review Guide
- McKinney-Vento Parent and Student Rights
- McKinney-Vento Written Notification – Eligibility and Enrollment
- Idaho Department of Education Dispute Resolution Process
Coordination Efforts with Local & State Partners (PROG-44)
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (PROG-45)
- Caregiver Authorization Form
- College and Career Counseling for Students Experiencing Homelessness: Promising Practices for Secondary School Counselors
- Human Trafficking and Runaway and Homeless Youth: Online Recruitment of Youth Via Social Media and the Internet
- Idalink: Online portal for healthcare, food assistance and other programs in Idaho
- NCHE Brief: Supporting the Education of Unaccompanied Students Experiencing Homelessness
- Sample Email Template: Inform Students about FAFSA
- Sample Form Letter: Independent Student Status for FAFSA
- Tips for Helping Homeless Youth Succeed in College
- Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Flowchart
- Written Notification of Unaccompanied Youth
Federal Programs Divisions
Quick Links
Idaho McKinney-Vento/Homeless Education Program Mini-Manual
Idalink: Online portal for healthcare, food assistance and other programs in Idaho
National Association for the Education of Homeless Children & Youth (NAEHCY)
National Center for Homeless Education
Contact
Emily Kesler
Coordinator
(208) 332-6904
ekesler@sde.idaho.gov