Homelessness
Experiencing Homelessness?
Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act works with Title I, Part A and other federal education programs to provide stability, access, and support for academic success for homeless children and youth.
Students who have uncertain housing, a temporary address or no permanent physical address are guaranteed enrollment in school by the federal McKinney Vento Act and California State Law.
This includes:
- 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 a 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
Homeless Youth are entitled to:
- Immediate enrollment in school without a permanent address, immunizations, school records or papers
- Continue in the school that the student attended before becoming homeless even if you have moved away from that school’s attendance zone or district.
- Go to school, no matter where the student lives or how long he/she has lived there.
- Enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for the transfer of required school records or documents.
- Enroll and attend classes even while the school and parent/student seek to resolve a dispute over enrollment.
- Receive transportation to his/her school of origin as long as he/she is homeless, or if the student becomes permanently housed, receive transportation until he end of the academic school year.
- Participate fully in all school activities and programs for which you are eligible.
- Qualify automatically for child nutrition programs (free and reduced-price lunches and other district food programs).
- Contact the district liaison to resolve any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.
Parent Responsibilities:
- Making sure his/her student attends school regularly and completes homework and projects on time.
- Attending parent/teacher conferences, Back to School Night and other meetings and school activities pertaining to their student.
- Staying informed of school rules, regulations and activities.
- Participating in school advisory/decision making activities.
For questions about enrolling o for assistance with school enrollment contact:
Local district liaison for Homelessness, Foster Youth and Mckinney Vento:
Dr. Larry Mendez
Assistant Superintendent
2601 Rosamond Blvd., Rosamond, CA 93560
lmendez@skusd.k12.ca.us
County Liaison:
Curt Williams
Kern County Superintendent of Schools
Phone: (661) 636-4991
cuwilliams@kern.org
The county office web link is: https://kern.org/homeless-
State Liaison:
Leanne Wheeler
State Coordinator California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Suite 6208 Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: (866) 856-8214
Additional Information and Resources
US Department of Education offers the full text of the McKinney-Vento Act
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/homeless/legislation.html
California Department of Education lists website resources related to homeless students’ rights to enroll and participate fully in school.
http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/hs/cv/
National Association for the education of Homeless Children and Youth generates awareness of the educational and other needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness is an important first step in ensuring that eligible students receive the services and supports they need.
http://www.naehcy.org