Homeless Education Coop (McKinney-Vento)

Students experiencing homelessness face unique challenges that can disrupt their education and well-being. Under the McKinney-Vento Act, students experiencing homelessness have specific rights, and local education agencies are required to implement federal and state regulations to ensure educational stability, access to services, and protections for these students and their families.

Why Join the McKinney-Vento Cooperative?

The ESC Region 13 McKinney-Vento Education Cooperative offers a one-of-a-kind program designed to go beyond the baseline support provided through TEA. As one of the few specialized cooperatives of its kind, we provide a comprehensive, hands-on approach to supporting homeless liaisons, administrators, registrars, counselors, and school staff through:

• Exclusive Networking & Professional Development
  • Multiple meetings per year featuring expert guest speakers
  • Peer-to-peer networking opportunities to discuss challenges and best practices
• Expert-Led Consultation & Guidance
  • Tailored support to improve program implementation and student outcomes
  • Real-time assistance with compliance, regulations, and best practices
• State & Federal Policy Updates
  • Up-to-date guidance on the latest policies affecting students experiencing homelessness
  • Resources to ensure compliance with McKinney-Vento requirements
• Additional Resources & Community Engagement
  • Specialized assistance addressing the unique needs of students and families experiencing homelessness
  • Community partnerships to expand access to local and regional services

Membership Benefits

Joining the McKinney-Vento Cooperative provides exclusive access to a variety of resources and events, ensuring the LEA is in compliance with required TEA TEHCY requirements and your schools receive the highest level of support in serving students experiencing homelessness.

Your Cooperative Membership Includes:

• Professional Development & Training:
  • One free slot at the Fredericksburg Meeting (registration only)
  • One Behave Conference registration
  • One Mental Health Conference registration
  • One Safety Conference registration
  • Two students - Leadership Institute
• Holiday & Community Support:
  • Thanksgiving Basket (2) and Adopt a Family for Christmas (1)
  • VIP Hour - Coats for Kids (contingent on Region 13 being selected as a surplus site)
  • Two graduating seniors - Fresh Start Basket

Unique Advantages of the McKinney-Vento Cooperative

• A One-of-a-Kind Program - Unlike other initiatives, this level of specialized, hands-on support for LEAs serving students experiencing homelessness. This makes the McKinney-Vento Cooperative a truly unique and highly valuable resource for schools.
• Payment Through Grants - The cooperative benefits from overlapping grant cycles, ensuring diversified funding to pay for this service year-round and maximizing available resources for serving students experiencing homelessness.

Joining the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Cooperative

By becoming a McKinney-Vento Cooperative member, your district will gain access to a dedicated network of professionals, specialized training, and critical resources that go beyond TEA’s standard offerings. This exclusive cooperative ensures that your team has the tools, knowledge, and support necessary to provide a high-quality education and essential services to students experiencing homelessness.