Supporting Students Experiencing Housing Displacement (Homelessness) & Foster Youth

Our school district is dedicated to upholding the rights of these students and removing any barriers that may hinder their academic success and access to services. 

Housing Displacement (Homeless) - McKinney-Vento Act

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness. This law ensures that these students have the same free, appropriate public education as their housed peers. The law's intent is to guarantee that homeless students can enroll in and attend school, participate fully in all school programs, and have the opportunity to achieve the same academic standards.

Definition of Homeless Children and Youths

The McKinney-Vento Act defines "homeless children and youths" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes, but is not limited to, children and youth who are:

• Sharing housing with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons.
• Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or shelters.
• Residing in public or private places not designed for regular sleeping accommodations.
• Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or similar settings.
• Migratory children who meet any of the criteria above.

Understanding Student Rights and Protections

Local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to identify and remove barriers to the enrollment, attendance, and success of students experiencing homelessness and foster youth. These students have the right to:

• Immediate Enrollment: Students can be enrolled in school immediately, even without typical documentation like birth certificates, immunization records, or proof of residence.
• Transportation: Schools must provide comparable transportation support to ensure students can attend classes and participate in school activities, including picking up meals or distance learning materials. Comparable to what other students receive. In JESD, students receive SamTrans Bus passes for free. Reach out to your school office to receive your pass. If you need additional support, reach out to our District Homeless Youth Liaison. 
• Full Academic Access: Students have the right to receive free meals and all other academic supports, services, and opportunities available to their housed peers.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Stephanie Martinez, JESD Foster/Homeless Youth Liaison at 650-991-1000 or smartinez@jeffersonesd.org.

Displaced (Homeless) Family Resources

• Parent Information: English | Spanish

• SMCOE District Homeless Liaisons

• SMCOE Community Information Handbook

• Addressing the Needs of Students Experiencing Homelessness Who Have Disabilities
• Identifying Students Without Stable Housing: A Critical First Step
• Prompt and Proper Placement: Enrolling Students Experiencing Homelessness Without Records
• Supporting Evacuee and Refugee Children and Youth Under McKinney-Vento

Foster Youth Resources

• FY Resource Page