McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Services
The Nevada County Superintendent of Schools houses a Homeless Education Department which provides technical assistance and training to school districts and identified site liaisons to ensure that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to educational opportunities. Services provided include dispute resolution, community outreach and referrals, funding for school activities and educational needs, staff development materials, and attendance services.
Help is Available for Families in Nevada County
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act, each site is required by law to have a liaison who coordinates services related to the act. Families who are experiencing homelessness should reach out to their designated Homeless Education site liaison to inquire about services and programs that their child may qualify for.
When are Students Considered Homeless?
Many children and families who are eligible for help do not consider themselves homeless. According to the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Education Assistance Act, a family is considered homeless if living in any of the following situations:
Lack a regular, fixed, and adequate nighttime residence including:
- Living in a shelter, motel, or hotel
- Living in an unsheltered residence– such as a car or park
- Sharing housing (doubled-up or couch-surfing) due to economic hardship
- Living in campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
- Unaccompanied children or youth (i.e. not in the physical custody of their parents or guardians)
Services That Your School May Be Able to Provide Include:
- Assistance with gathering educational records from the last school attended
- Referrals to community resources
- Enrollment in Free and Reduced Lunch programs
- Financial assistance for educational needs
Get Help
For a first step toward assistance, please contact your school district and ask to speak to the Homeless Education Liaison. View Schools Directory
For homeless community resources call 211 by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211 or visit 211 Connecting Point.
Access additional support at our local Family Resource Centers (FRCs):
- Penn Valley FRC: (530) 432-1118 x. 2249
- San Juan Ridge FRC: (530) 292-3174
Know Your Rights
Students who are experiencing homelessness are also granted special rights under the act. As a homeless youth, you have the right to:
- SCHOOL STABILITY – To remain enrolled in, and be transported to a student’s School of Origin when feasible, even if a student moves outside of the district. (‘School of Origin’ means the school last attended when permanently housed, or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled).
- IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT – To be enrolled immediately (even without medical or school records) in the neighborhood school.
- FOOD PROVISION – To receive FREE breakfast and/or lunch in schools that serve both.
- ASSISTANCE WITH BARRIERS – To have barriers addressed so that they can participate in athletics, field trips, and after school activities (this could include having certain school fees waived). Parents or guardians should contact school staff for help.
- ACADEMIC SUPPORT – To ask for academic support if a student is struggling with classwork. Parents or guardians should contact school staff for assistance.
- TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE – To ask for transportation support if a student is at risk of missing school. Parents or guardians should contact school staff for assistance. Homeless Liaisons can work with parents to problem-solve transportation challenges.
- DISPUTE RESOLUTION – To use the school district’s Dispute Resolution Process to appeal a school’s decision when there is a disagreement about school selection or enrollment.
For questions, please contact Program Administration:
Melissa Parrett, Student Services Coordinator
380 Crown Point Circle
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Tel: (530) 478-6400 x. 2021
FAX: (530) 478-6410
Email: Refer to staff directory
Charlotte Peterson, Homeless Education Program Specialist
380 Crown Point Circle
Grass Valley, Ca 95945
Tel: (530) 478-6400 x. 2037
Fax: (530) 478-6400
Email: Refer to staff directory
Lisa Vaughan, Homeless Education Case Manager
380 Crown Point Circle
Grass Valley, Ca 95945
Tel: (530) 478-6400 x. 2051
Fax: (530) 478-6400
Email: Refer to staff directory