The McKinney-Vento Act contains special provisions for the following special populations:

• Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes those who are:
  • Sharing the housing of other persons ("doubled up") due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.
  • Living in public or private places not designed for regular sleeping accommodations (such as cars, parks, abandoned buildings).
  • Living in shelters, motels, hotels, or similar temporary arrangements.
  • Migratory children living in these circumstances.
• Unaccompanied youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
• Homeless preschool-aged children who require access to educational services.
• Youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system.
• Children and youth experiencing homelessness who may also be English learners.
• Children with disabilities who are homeless and require special education and related services.
• Children and youth displaced by natural disasters.
• Immigrant children and youth who are homeless, regardless of immigration status.

These populations have special protections under the Act to ensure immediate and equal access to education, transportation to the school of origin, and access to services including special education, preschool, Title I, and free school meals.