Barrier-free Enrollment

  • It is the policy of the Vestavia Hills Board of Education to provide all students, including language minority students, migrant students, and homeless students, with meaningful and appropriate educational programs allowing all students the same benefits and rights of participation regardless of race, color, disability, sex, religion, national origin, or age. The enrollment of homeless, migrant and limited English proficient children and youth shall not be denied or delayed due to any of the following barriers:

    • Lack of birth certificate
    • Lack of school records or transcripts
    • Lack of immunization or health records
    • Lack of proof of residency
    • Lack of transportation
    • Guardianship or custody requirements

    The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act defines a homeless individual as one who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

    If your family lives in any of the following situations, you may be considered homeless:

    • In a shelter, motel, vehicle, or campground
    • On the street
    • In an abandoned building, trailer, or other inadequate accommodations
    • Doubled up with friends or relatives because you cannot find or afford housing

    If your child is considered eligible for the homeless program, he/she has the right to:

    • Access to the same public education as other children
    • Continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless, if feasible. 
    • Participate in all programs and activities with students that are not homeless.
    • Enroll immediately in school. The school will work with parents to obtain necessary records.

    Services are provided to students that qualify for the homeless program. Services include, but are not limited to:

    • Tutoring through programs provided by the school’s PST (Problem Solving Team)
    • School supplies
    • Payment of class fees/dues
    • Payment of field trips
    • Personal hygiene items
    • Free school lunch
    • Counseling for issues related to domestic violence
    • Vestavia Hills Backpack Program

    To find out if your child qualifies for services, please call Dr. Aimee Rainey 205-402-5100.


    VHCS Homeless Enrollment Dispute Form