Title IX, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act defines homelessness as living in the following places due to a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

• In an emergency or transitional shelter
• In a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of an adequate alternative 
• In a car, park, public place, bus or train station, or abandoned building
• Doubled up with relatives or friends due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• In the above conditions and is a migratory child or youth
• Further descriptions of nighttime residence

This definition of homelessness applies to children and youth with:

• Uncertain housing
• A temporary address
• No permanent physical address

What families and youth experiencing homelessness need to know: 

• Children and youth experiencing homelessness have a right to attend school.
• You do not need a permanent address to enroll your child in school.
• Some unaccompanied youth may need to change where they stay frequently.  Transportation services to and from school may be available. 
• Children and youth experiencing homelessness can stay in their original school or enroll in any public school that students living in the same attendance area are eligible to attend, according to their best interest. Schools must provide you with a written explanation if a placement dispute occurs, and you may appeal their decision. (Contact the homeless liaison.)
• Your child cannot be denied school enrollment just because school records or other enrollment documentation are not immediately available. Your child may have the right to transportation services to and from the school of origin, if determined feasible.
• Your child has the right to participate in extracurricular activities and all
• federal, state, or local programs for which he or she is eligible. Transportation may not be available for these activities.
• Homeless, unaccompanied youth have these same rights.