Foster Youth and Students Experiencing Homelessness

California law provides specific protections for students in foster care to minimize educational disruption and promote academic achievement. These rights are primarily established under Assembly Bill (AB) 490 and subsequent legislation (e.g., AB 1806).

• School Stability: Students have the right to remain in their school of origin (the school they were attending when they entered foster care or the school they last attended) unless the court or educational decision-maker determines that remaining in the school is not in the student’s best interest.
• Immediate Enrollment: Students must be enrolled in a new school immediately, even if they lack required documentation (e.g., academic records, immunization records, birth certificates).
• Partial Credits and Records Transfer: Schools must accept partial credits earned by a student and ensure the timely and seamless transfer of student records between schools.
• Grade-Level Placement: Students must be placed in the appropriate grade level and coursework, and their existing Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan must be implemented immediately.
• Extracurricular Activities: Students must be provided with full access to academic programs, extracurricular activities, and all services offered by the district.
• Graduation Requirements: Students who transfer in grades 11 or 12 may be eligible for an exemption from certain district graduation requirements, provided they have met statewide requirements.
   

For assistance with eligibility determination, please contact our Student and Family Engagement Liaison, Beatrice Morales Ross.

The federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education provided to other children. 

Who Qualifies? Children or youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, including those sharing housing due to economic hardship, living in motels, hotels, shelters, cars, or substandard housing.

Key Rights:

• Immediate Enrollment: Students can enroll in school immediately, even without the normally required documents (proof of residency, immunization records, birth certificates).
• School of Origin: Students may choose to remain at their school of origin (the school attended when permanently housed) or enroll in the school serving the area where they are currently staying.
• Transportation: Transportation must be provided to and from the school of origin.
• Services: Automatic eligibility for free school nutrition programs and access to school activities and tutoring.

For assistance with eligibility determination, please contact our Student and Family Engagement Liaison, Beatrice Morales Ross.