McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that children who are considered homeless or in transition have the same educational rights and protections as any other school children.


You or your child are considered homeless or in transition if you live in:

  • An emergency, transitional or domestic violence shelter
  • A motel, hotel or campground
  • An abandoned building, car, park or on the street
  • A residence with relatives or friends because of economic hardship or loss
  • A residence with friends or family because you are a runaway or an accompanied youth


Homeless and in transition children have several rights under McKinney-Vento:

  • Immediate enrollment in school
  • Continued attendance at the school last attended before becoming homeless, or the school of origin
  • Transportation to and from the school of origin
  • Automatic participation in free breakfast and lunch programs


Parents can enroll children in school even without immediate access to key documents:

  • Proof of residency
  • Immunization or tuberculosis records
  • School records
  • Birth certificate


The Santa Clara County Office of Education can provide homeless and in-transition children with resources:

  • Backpacks and school supplies
  • School and P.E. uniforms
  • Daily and monthly VTA passes for educational use only
  • Enrollment assistance and advocacy
  • Help retrieve health and educational records
  • Referrals to School District Liaisons and community agencies


Contacts

Sonja House, MSW

Supervisor, Foster Youth & Homeless Educational Services

(408) 453-6956

sonja_house@sccoe.org


Darias Brown

Homeless Youth Specialist

(408) 453-6928

darius_brown@sccoe.org


Marilyn DeRouen

Foster Youth Services Liaison

(408) 453-6998

marilyn_derouen@sccoe.org


Leanne Wheeler

State Homeless Coordinator

California Department of Education

1 (866) 856-8214


Santa Clara County Office of Education

1290 Ridder Park Drive

San Jose, CA 95131

www.sccoe.org