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.
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
Contacts
Sonja House, MSW
Supervisor, Foster Youth & Homeless Educational Services
(408) 453-6956
Darias Brown
Homeless Youth Specialist
(408) 453-6928
Marilyn DeRouen
Foster Youth Services Liaison
(408) 453-6998
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