The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youth Act is to ensure that all children and youth, including preschoolers, have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education as non-homeless children and youth. In the 2023-2024 school year, Ohio had 25,550 students experiencing homelessness. Locate the most recent state-level enrollment data on students experiencing homelessness on the Department's Report  Portal. 

Finding a Local School District Homeless Education Liaison 

The Ohio Educational Directory System (OEDS) has the name and contact information of each public school district and community school homeless education liaison. A homeless education liaison is required in every district and community school. This liaison works with families, community agencies and partners to best support students experiencing homelessness. 

To access the information for a homeless education liaison, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the OEDS Directory
  2. Search the school district name and then click on the district.
  3. Once on the district’s page, select “Personnel” from the top search bar.
  4. In “Roles Available to this Organization,” search: Homeless Liaison – ESSA.
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