McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program

Through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (click here for McKinney-Vento Rights - Information for Families), the Student Services Office provides support and resources to assist students and families in navigating the educational system so they continue to receive a quality education during this transitional time. Support and resources may vary from family to family. The Student & Family Support Services Office also provides educators with technical support to ensure schools are removing barriers to the enrollment, attendance, and academic success of students experiencing homelessness. Mentoring is available for students experiencing homelessness and/or unaccompanied minor students. The Student & Family Support Services may be able to provide assistance with: 

• School Placement and Enrollment

• Backpacks & School Supplies

• School Clothing

• *Transportation Assistance (may vary)

• General Community Referrals and Resources

• Healthcare Advocacy & Application Assistance

• Mental Health Counseling Referrals

• Case Management, Academic Enhancement, Mentoring, and Life Skills

• Dispute Resolution Process

What is the McKinney-Vento Act? The purpose of the McKinney-Vento Act is to provide educational services and supports to homeless students which are equal to all other enrolled students, and ensure that homeless children and youth have equal opportunities to enroll in, attend, and be successful in school. Your child may qualify as McKinney-Vento eligible if you are:

• sharing housing (doubled-up) with others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason; "couch-surfing"; facing eviction

• living in a motel, hotel, trailer park or camping grounds due to lack of adequate living accommodations

• has a primary nighttime residence that is a shelter designated to provide temporary living accommodations

• living in shelters, domestic violence shelters, and transitional housing lives in a car, park, abandoned building, public or private place not designed for, or ordinarily used 

For more information Marie Lukehart, Foster Youth Liasion at 650-624-3133.

Parent Liaisons

• Allen School: Sylvia Rodriguez

• Belle Air School: Michelle Moreno

• John Muir School: Delia Covarubias

• Portola School: Cynthia Sauceda

• Parkside Intermediate: Minnie Lopez

• Preschool: Amparo Jimenez

Resources

• Homeless Education Poster – Spanish & English

• CA Dept. of Ed. Homeless Education Website

• San Mateo COE Homeless Education Website

• Federal Homeless Education Regulations

• SMCOE Homeless Education Brochure - Spanish and English

Foster Youth

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

The Foster Youth Services provides support services to foster children who suffer the traumatic effects of displacement from family and schools and multiple placements in foster care. Foster Youth Services increase the stability of placements for foster children and youth. These services are designed to improve the children's educational performance and personal achievement.