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Homeless

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) (42 U.S.C. § 11431-11435) is federal legislation that ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youths experiencing homelessness. It requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) to ensure that homeless students have access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschools, as provided to other children and youths. The McKinney-Vento Act defines LEAs as public school districts, direct-funded and locally funded charter schools, and county offices of education. The McKinney-Vento Act also authorizes the funding for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program.

IF YOUR FAMILY LIVES IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS:

 

  • In a shelter

  • In a motel or campground due to the lack of an alternative adequate accommodation

  • In a car, park, abandoned building, or bus or train station

  • Doubled up with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

 

Your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.

Your eligible children have the right to:

  • Receive a free, appropriate public  education.
  • Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment.
  • Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents.
  • Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled), if that is your preference and is feasible.
    • If the school district believes that the school you select is not in the best interest of your children, then the district must provide you with a written explanation of its position and inform you of your right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if you request this.
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to your children's needs.

 

If you believe your children may be eligible, contact the local liaison to find out what services and supports may be available. There also may be supports available for your preschool-age children.

SRUSD Contacts:

 

Dr. Summer Prather-Smith- Homeless Liaison [email protected]

Blanca Valverde- Parent-Community Liaison 831- 235-6329 [email protected]

Leticia Ayala-Parent-Community Liaison 831- 235-6408 [email protected]