Student Group:
FY, HY, SWD

Students in foster care represent one of the most vulnerable and academically at-risk groups of students enrolled in California schools. The California Department of Education (CDE) monitors the educational outcomes for foster youth and engages with multiple state agencies and nonprofit organizations to ensure these students receive the supports and services they need.  

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 youth experiencing homelessness. It requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) to provide homeless students with access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschools, as provided to other children and youth. The McKinney-Vento Act defines LEAs as public school districts, charter schools (both direct-funded and locally funded), and county offices of education.