Homeless Education

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) (42 United States Code § 11431-11435) is federal legislation that ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youth experiencing homelessness. It requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) to ensure that homeless students have access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschools, as provided to other children and youth. The McKinney-Vento Act defines LEAs as public school districts, direct-funded and locally funded charter schools, and county offices of education. The McKinney-Vento Act also authorizes the funding for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program.

Definition of Homeless
McKinney-Vento Act definition of homeless children and youth.

Resources for Homeless Children and Youth
Resources related to homeless students' rights to enroll and participate fully in school.

Homeless Innovative Program Toolkits
The Model Innovative Practice (MIP) Toolkits were developed by 20 LEA grantees and are aligned to Local Control Funding Formula Priority Areas. These MIP Toolkits are listed below and are available for use by LEAs.

Homeless Youth in California Schools Data
Link to the Homeless Youth Data website that gives information, resources, and educational outcomes for homeless youth.

Statewide Educational Homeless Data
This presentation provides information regarding the educational outcomes for homeless children and youth during the 2019–20 school year.

Homeless Education Technical Assistance Centers (HE TACs)
This page provides information for LEAs regarding the purpose and responsibilities of California’s HE TACs.

Homeless Education Liaison Contact Information (XLSX; Updated 7-Mar-2024)
Contact information for Homeless Education liaisons within the State of California.

County Office Homeless Liaison Contact Information (XLSX; Updated 1-Mar-2024)
Contact information for each County Homeless Education Liaison, including website for each county office.

American Rescue Plan - Homeless Children and Youth Fund
The American Rescue Plan Act - Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) fund identifies homeless children and youth, provides wraparound services in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and helps enable homeless children and youth to attend school and participate fully in school activities. This includes in-person instruction this spring, and summer learning and enrichment programs that begin in the coming months.

ARP-HCY Fund Assurances and Quarterly Report Submission Tool
This includes the ARP-HCY II Assurances and Quarterly Reports. In order for an LEA to receive an allocation, it must submit the ARP-HCY II Assurances. All LEAs within a consortium must also complete the assurances. In addition, all LEAs that received ARP-HCY II funds must submit quarterly expenditure and program reports.

ARP-HCY State Plans
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has posted all ARP-HCY State Plans on this page. These plans were due on September 7, 2021. Approved State materials will be posted following the review and approval by the ED.

An Overview of the ARP-HCY State Plans (PDF)
The National Center for Homeless Education has released a report that summarizes state educational agencies’ strategies for the implementation of the ARP-HCY program and spotlights emerging practices from across the country for effectively using ARP-HCY program funds.

Frequently Asked ARP-HCY Questions and Answers
This page contains responses from ED to common ARP-HCY questions about the implementation of the ARP-HCY program. The ED updates this page periodically.

American Rescue Plan - Homeless Children and Youth Resource Guide
This guidance is to provide LEAs with strategies, resources, and innovative ideas on how to support children and youth experiencing homelessness with ARP-HCY funds.  All strategies and suggestions are contributions by LEAs throughout the state and at the national level and are suggested with the intent to remove a barrier to students’ education.

California’s American Rescue Plan Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III Plan (PPTX)
This presentation elicits stakeholder input on California’s ARP Act Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief III Plan and includes background information regarding the ARP-HCY fund.

Fiscal Management
Fiscal forms and funding results for the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program grants.

Federal Program Monitoring for Homeless Education (PPTX)
PowerPoint presentation addressing purpose, process, best practices, and homeless instrument details.