McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Program helps homeless children have equal access to a free public education as provided to all of the other children in the District. A child is considered homeless if they do not have a regular adequate residence. This means any students living in shelters, in substandard housing, doubled up with friends or relatives because they have no other place to go and cannot afford a home. The other living arrangements included are single room hotels, cars, parks, public places, transitional affidavit.

Homeless Children are guaranteed enrollment in school by The Federal McKinney-Vento Act and California State law if you live:

• In a shelter (family, domestic violence, or youth shelter or transitional living program)
• In a motel, hotel or weekly rate housing
• In a house or apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss
• In an abandoned building, in car, at a campground, or on the street
• In temporary foster care or with an adult who is not your parent or guardian
• In substandard housing (without electricity, water, or heat)
• With friends or family because you are a runaway or an unaccompanied youth

To enroll in or attend school if you live under any of theses conditions, you do NOT need to provide:

• Proof of residency
• Immunization records or tuberculosis skin-test results
• School records
• Legal Guardianship papers

You may:

• Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which you are eligible
• Continue to attend the school in which you were last enrolled even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance zone or district
• Receive transportation from your current residence back to your school or origin
• Qualify automatically for child nutrition program (free and reduced-price lunches and other district food programs).
• Contact the district liaison to resolve any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.

For questions about enrolling in school or for assistance with enrollment please contact the schools.

Your local School District Liaison for the homeless:

• Cindy Castro, Superintendent

Your State Coordinator for the homeless:

• Leanne Wheeler – State Coordinator, California Department of Education 1-866-856-8214

Resources:

• California Department of Education Homeless Program
• California Homeless Youth Project
• Affidavit – Residence Form