Homeless Education Assistance

The Pacific Community Charter School is committed to ensuring that students experiencing homelessness are provided equal access to the same free, appropriate public education provided to other children and youth.
 
The federal government’s legal definition of homelessness based on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act is anyone who:
  • Lacks a regular, fixed and adequate nighttime residence (substandard housing)
  • Is sharing housing due to economic struggles (doubled-up/tripled up)
  • Is living in a shelter, hotel, or motel
  • Is living in a public place not designated for sleeping (cars, parks, campgrounds, or abandoned buildings)
  • Is an unaccompanied youth
  • Is a child or youth abandoned in a hospital
  • Is a migrant child who qualifies under any of the above

Preschool and school-aged children have the following rights or protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act:
  • To attend school, no matter where you live or how long you have lived there.
  • To continue in the school they attended before becoming homeless.
  • To receive transportation to school and school programs.
  • To attend school and participate in school programs with children who are not homeless.
  • To enroll without giving a permanent address.
  • To enroll and attend classes while the school arranges for transfer of required school records and documents.
  • To enroll and attend classes while seeking to resolve a dispute over school placement.
  • To access migrant and special education.

The Pacific Community Charter School's appointed Homeless Liaison is Jennifer Ketring, Executive Director. Questions about resources for students experiencing homelessness can be directed to her at jketring@pacificcharterschool.org or 707-353-0143.

More Resources Available