Family Support
At Caprock Academy, we are committed to supporting every student and family within our community. This page serves as a resource for families experiencing housing instability, ensuring that every child has access to the education and support they deserve.
What is the McKinney-Vento Act?
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law designed to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to public education. Enacted in 1987, this legislation provides vital protections and resources for students and families facing housing instability.
Who qualifies for McKinney-Vento?
Any child or youth who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence including:
- Those who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship,
- are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;*
- Those who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
- Those who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
- Those identified by the Migrant Education Program (as defined in section 1309 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless because the children are living in circumstances described in the bullet points above
If your family or someone you know is experiencing any of these challenges, please reach out to us. Our team is here to connect you with resources, guidance, and support to ensure your child’s educational journey is uninterrupted.
Together, we can create a stable and supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Community Resources
Statewide-McKinney-Vento-Resources
McKinney-Vento Liaisons
Every school district has a designated McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Liaison responsible for identifying MKV students and providing resources to help these students.
McKinney-Vento Liaison’s Roles and Responsibilities
- The local liaison is the key to ensuring homeless children and youths receive the services they need.
- Required in all local education agencies regardless of subgrant status.
- The liaison is the primary contact between homeless families, school and local education agency/district staff, shelter workers, and other service providers.
- In 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(6)(A), the McKinney-Vento Act lists the responsibilities of the local liaison including ensuring the protection of student and parent rights outlined under the law.
Kids Aid Backpack Program at Caprock Academy
Caprock Academy is proud to partner with the Kids Aid Backpack Program, a community initiative designed to help alleviate childhood hunger. The program provides free weekend bags of food to students, bridging the gap when school meals are not available.
What Families Can Expect
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Free of Cost: All bags are provided at no charge, funded entirely through private donations.
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Kid-Friendly: Foods are easy to prepare and designed for children.
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Balanced Nutrition: Bags include a variety of carbs, protein, fruit, and fiber.
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Consistent Access: Food is sourced primarily from the Food Bank of the Rockies, with local products included when available.
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Safe Products: All items follow strict health standards and are distributed within safe “best by” guidelines.
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Limitations: Due to the number of students served, Kids Aid cannot meet all individual dietary needs or preferences.
Enrollment Information
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Enrollment forms must be returned to the school by 3:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
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Food deliveries will begin the week after forms are received and continue for the remainder of the school year, unless you choose to withdraw.
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Food bags will be delivered directly to your child’s classroom each week.
How to Enroll
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Print and complete the Kids Aid Backpack Program Sign-Up Form below and return it to your child's teacher or the front office.
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Or, request a paper form to be sent home with your student by emailing Mrs. Ritchey at j.geisen-ritchey@caprockacademy.org.
Our Hope
Through this program, we hope every child returns to school on Monday mornings “only hungry to learn.”
Kids Aid Backpack Program Sign-Up Form