McKinney-Vento Information
Support for Families Experiencing Homelessness
The Bonita Unified School District employs two social workers who serve as Homeless Education Liaisons to provide support for students experiencing homelessness. The social workers also oversee a team of social work interns who contribute additional support. In some cases the district can provide direct support to students and/or their families, or the district may be able to connect students and their families with local resources.
To get additional information or to request support you can
Call or email the office of the school your child attends - LINKS TO SCHOOL WEBSITES TO FIND CONTACT INFORMATION
Call or email the Office of Student Services - STUDENT SERVICES CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact one of the district social workers listed below
Submit a request to the Student and Family Assistance Program
DISTRICT SOCIAL WORKERS / HOMELESS LIAISONS
Tiffany Merrill
Bonita High School, Chaparral & Vista Schools, Ramona Middle School, La Verne Elementary Schools
909-971-8200, x. 4026
Crystal Alvarenga
San Dimas High School, Lone Hill Middle School, San Dimas Elementary Schools
909-971-8200, x. 3055
McKinney-Vento Act Information
If your family lives in any of the following situations, your school-age children may qualify for certain rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Act.
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
Under McKinney-Vento, 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.
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 child's needs.
Be considered for graduation under alternative requirements if certain conditions are met.
Be issued partial credits on a transcript if a high-school age youth changes schools before the end of a semester.
Receive free or reduced-cost meals at school.
Receive assistance with accessing medical care for your eligible children, including immunizations
Receive assistance with arranging transportation to school, including free or reduced-cost transportation on a school bus.
Support in the Community
Tri-City Mental Health, a local community mental health provider and district mental health partner, employs a Community Navigator who is available to connect families with a variety of support resources. More information can be found here: TRI-CITY COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR
Additional Information
Support through the Los Angeles County Office of Education: LACOE HOMELESS SERVICES
Full text of the federal McKinney-Vento Act can be found at this link: FEDERAL MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT