Homeless Education / McKinney-Vento Supports

College School District is committed to ensuring that all students have access to a stable, supportive, and high-quality education. Students and families experiencing housing instability have specific educational rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

The McKinney-Vento Act supports children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This may include students and families who are temporarily sharing housing with others due to loss of housing or economic hardship, living in motels or hotels, staying in shelters or transitional housing, living in cars, campgrounds, or other temporary settings, or experiencing other unstable housing situations.

Families do not need to use the word “homeless” to receive support. If your family is experiencing temporary, uncertain, or unstable housing, the District can help connect your student with school-based supports and community resources.

Student Rights Under McKinney-Vento

Students experiencing housing instability have the right to:

  • Enroll in school immediately, even if they do not have normally required documents such as proof of residency, immunization records, school records, or other paperwork

  • Continue attending their school of origin, when in the student’s best interest

  • Enroll in the local school near their temporary residence, if preferred

  • Receive transportation support, when applicable, including transportation to and from the school of origin

  • Participate fully in school programs, services, and activities

  • Receive support obtaining school records, enrollment documents, and other needed information

  • Receive referrals to appropriate school and community services

  • Receive help resolving school selection, enrollment, or transportation concerns

How College School District Can Help

The District’s McKinney-Vento liaison works with students, families, school staff, and community partners to help remove barriers to school enrollment, attendance, and participation.

Support may include help with:

  • School enrollment

  • Transportation questions

  • School supplies or basic needs

  • Connections to meals and nutrition services

  • Referrals to health, dental, mental health, housing, or community resources

  • Communication between schools when a family moves

  • Support during a housing transition

  • Understanding student rights and available services

When to Contact Us

Please contact the District if your family is:

  • Staying temporarily with friends or relatives because of housing loss or financial hardship

  • Living in a motel, hotel, shelter, transitional housing, campground, vehicle, or other temporary setting

  • Moving frequently due to housing instability

  • Unsure where you will be staying long-term

  • Experiencing any housing situation that may affect your student’s school enrollment, attendance, transportation, or ability to participate fully in school

Reaching out early can help us support your student and reduce disruptions to their education.

McKinney-Vento Liaison

For questions, support, or help accessing services, please contact:

McKinney-Vento / Homeless Education Liaison
Ian Trejo
College School District
3525 Pine Street
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 686-7300
itrejo@collegeschooldistrict.org

All conversations will be handled with care and respect. The District’s goal is to support students and families, protect student privacy, and help every child remain connected to school.

Dispute Resolution

If a disagreement arises regarding school enrollment, school selection, transportation, or McKinney-Vento eligibility, families have the right to receive a written explanation of the decision and information about the dispute resolution process.

The student may remain enrolled and continue attending school while the dispute is being resolved. The District’s McKinney-Vento liaison can help families understand their rights, complete any needed forms, and connect with the appropriate county or state resources if additional review is needed.

College School District is here to help students feel safe, supported, and connected to school during times of housing transition or uncertainty.