What is the ACCESS McKinney-Vento Educational Services Program?
The ACCESS Homeless Educational Services Program provides support for students and families who are experiencing homelessness, as defined by the Federal McKinney-Vento Act. Students qualify for this assistance due to one or more of the following:
- Staying in a shelter (family shelter, domestic violence shelter, youth shelter) or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailer
- Sharing housing with other(s) due to loss of housing, economic hardship, natural disaster, lack of adequate housing, or similar reason (doubled-up)
- Living in a car, park, campground, abandoned building, or other inadequate accommodations (for example, lack of water, electricity, or heat)
- Temporarily living in a motel or hotel due to loss of housing, economic hardship, natural disaster, or similar reason
- An unaccompanied youth (not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) living in one of the above circumstances
How does the program help students in ACCESS?
ACCESS McKinney-Vento Liaisons connect students with academic support and other resources to help eliminate barriers to educational success. Types of support provided may include:
- Tutoring
- College and career readiness
- School Supplies
- Bus passes
- Food
- Clothing
- Hygiene items
What resources are available for families?
McKinney-Vento Liaisons may also provide case management or referrals to community-based agencies to assist families with finding permanent housing, applying for federal assistance programs, or other needs.
ACCESS also has two Family Resource Centers that are open to families. Through a partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, each FRC operates a School Pantry that stocks fresh produce and groceries as well as basic necessities. The Resource Centers are located at Harbor Learning Center North and the ACCESS San Juan Site. Please contact your Family Community Liaison for current school pantry hours.
What are my rights under the McKinney-Vento Act?
You or your child or children may have the right to:
- Immediate enrollment in the school they last attended (school of origin) or the local school where you are currently staying, even if you do not have all the documents normally required at the time of enrollment
- Continue to attend their school of origin, if requested by you and it is in the best interest of the student
- Receive transportation to and from their school of origin, the same special programs and services, if needed, as provided to all other children, including free meals and Title I
- Receive the full protections and services provided under all federal and state laws, as it relates to homeless children, youth, and their families
For more information or to request support or resources, contact the ACCESS McKinney-Vento Liaisons:- Wendy Rogan at (714) 836-1563 or wrogan@ocde.us
- Mickey DeLaCruz at (714) 245-6429 or mdelacruz@ocde.us
For 24-hour assistance with food, shelter, and basic needs, call 2-1-1 or visit
www.211oc.org
