Parents & Community » McKinney-Vento Homeless Youth Program

McKinney-Vento Homeless Youth Program

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Program helps homeless children have equal access to a free public education as provided to all of the other children in the District. A child is considered homeless if they do not have a regular adequate residence. This means any students living in shelters, in substandard housing, doubled up with friends or relatives because they have no other place to go and cannot afford a home. The other living arrangements included are single room hotels, cars, parks and public places. Upon request backpacks and school supplies are available. If a child qualifies under the McKinney-Vento homeless program, you can contact Rosa Ocegueda at 626-453-3700 ext. 3643.
Homeless Children are guaranteed enrollment in school by The Federal McKinney-Vento Act and California State law if you live:
  • Living in Shelters/Transitional Housing - Domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, youth shelters, trailers provided by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), housing paid for by programs such as transitional housing, etc.
  • Living in Hotels/Motels - Staying in motels/hotels due to lack of adequate alternatives, regardless of who pays for the motel/hotel room.
  • Staying with others - Staying with other people due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason.
  • Unsheltered - Staying in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (MKV) provides the following rights to students experiencing housing instability or homelessness:
  • 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 their preference and it is feasible. If the school district believes that the school selected is not in his/her best interest, then the district must provide the student with a written explanation of its position and inform the student of his/her right to appeal its decision.
  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin, if requested
  • Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the students’ needs
  • Qualify automatically for child nutrition programs (free and reduced-price lunches and other district food programs).
  • Contact the district liaison to resolve any disputes that arise during the enrollment process.
El Monte City School District Liaison for the homeless assistance:
 
Rosa Ocegueda - McKinney Vento Liaison (Homeless) 
Office:  626-453-3700 ext. 3643                 
Email: [email protected]
 
Los Angeles County Liaison for the homeless:
Jennifer Kottke -Homeless Education, Coordinator II 
Desk Phone Number:  (562) 922-6614 
Google Phone Number: (562) 334-2223
 
Califronia State Coordinator for the homeless:
Leanne Wheeler – State Coordinator, California Department of Education 1-866-856-8214