McKinney-Vento FAQ: Common Transportation Questions

If a parent or guardian requests transportation to the school of origin, the district is legally obligated to arrange it. 

Districts typically do not pay for specialized transportation out of their general funds alone. They utilize several federal and state “pots” of money, including:

• Title I, Part A Set-Aside Funds: Federal law requires all districts to set aside a portion of Title I funds to support homeless students. This can be used to cover the “excess costs” of transportation.

McKinney-Vento mandates that students receive transportation that is appropriate for their specific needs. If a child is non-ambulatory or has mental health challenges that make a standard bus environment unsuitable, JewelRide provides a specialized fleet to meet these needs. Our vehicles feature wheelchair ramps and 24/7 video and GPS monitors to ensure a controlled, safe environment. Our drivers are trained specifically in youth and impaired individual support, providing the extra care and professionalism required for students with unique physical or mental impairments.

Yes. While Title I funds cannot supplant regular transportation budgets, they can be used to cover the “excess costs” of transporting McKinney-Vento students. This includes the difference between a standard bus route and specialized NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) services needed to maintain the student’s educational stability.

• Source: SchoolHouse Connection Funding Guide

Funding for summer programs is often more flexible than the regular school year:

• Title I, Part A Set-Aside: These funds can be used for the “excess costs” of summer transportation.

• McKinney-Vento Subgrants: Districts can use these grants to provide tutoring, mentoring, and the transportation needed to get students to those services.

• ARP-HCY Funds: Many districts still utilize these federal funds specifically for summer learning and the associated transit costs.

JewelRide acts as a direct vendor for school districts. We handle the logistical headache so you don’t have to:

• Direct Invoicing: We bill the district directly, providing the clear documentation and GPS trip logs required for federal audits and state reimbursement claims.

• Cost-Sharing Support: We can provide split-billing to two different districts, ensuring each is only invoiced for their agreed-upon 50% share.

• Billing: We can bill weekly, biweekly, and monthly.

Does McKinney-Vento apply to preschool?

Yes. If a school district (LEA) offers a public preschool program, it must be accessible to homeless children. This includes:

• Transportation: Districts are required to provide or arrange transportation to the preschool of origin, just as they do for K-12 students.

What about Head Start and Early Head Start?

Head Start programs have their own federal requirements that align with McKinney-Vento:

• Categorical Eligibility: Children experiencing homelessness are automatically eligible for Head Start regardless of family income.

• Prioritized Enrollment: Head Start programs are required to identify and prioritize homeless families for any open slots.

• Transportation Support: If a lack of transportation prevents a homeless child from attending Head Start, the program is required to work with community resources—like JewelRide—to remove that barrier.

Why JewelRide is the Trusted Choice for Early Childhood:

• Age-Appropriate Car Seats: We don’t just “allow” car seats; we can provide them. Our team ensures every child is secured in a crash-tested, professionally installed car seat or booster that meets all Missouri and Illinois state safety laws.

• Caregiver-Friendly: We allow up to two ride-along caregivers to accompany the child, providing comfort and a familiar face for our youngest passengers during their commute.