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https://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/Departments--Schools/Departments/Student-Programs/Youth-Services-YS/Education-for-Homeless-Children-and-Youth/

Education for Homeless Children and Youth

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. In Contra Costa County there are an estimated 2,600 homeless children and youth experiencing homelessness. The Contra Costa County Office of Education, Youth Services Department, provides support and resources to the 18 School Districts, CCCOE-Operated School Sites, and Charter Schools to implement McKinney-Vento. Technical assistance and training are also available to district homeless liaisons and other staff who are involved in working with homeless children and youth.
What we do and how we help

What we do and how we help

  • Advocate for Students – Remove barriers to enrolling, attending, and participating in school and support dispute resolution and connection to district Homeless Liaisons.
  • Promote Educational Stability – Help students stay in their school of origin when it’s in their best interest and assist with transportation needs.
  • Coordinate Services –Connect families to community resource such as food banks, legal aid, and crisis services. 
  • Support LEAs & AB 490 Liaisons – Offer training, technical assistance, and resources (housing questionnaires, rights posters, PD presentations, dispute guidance).
  • Build Strong Partnerships – Collaborate with educators, service providers, community organizations, shelters, and crisis agencies.
  • Improve Outcomes – Focus on ensuring access to school, improving attendance, supporting academic progress, and removing barriers to graduation and post‑secondary pathways.
Your rights & Resources

Your rights & Resources

For Students Experiencing Homelessness
  • Stay in your school of origin if feasible and in your best interest.
  • Enroll immediately, even without documents.
  • Receive transportation to your school of origin. 
  • Participate fully in all school activities and programs.
For Caregivers
  • Enroll your child without delays.
  • Request transportation, academic support, and access to community resources.
  • Work directly with your district Homeless Liaison.
For Educators
  • Understand that homelessness can include doubled‑up housing, motels, shelters, cars, parks, and other unstable living situations.
  • Collaborate with your district Homeless Liaison to ensure students receive the services and protections they are entitled to.
  • Use CCCOE tools and resources such as eligibility guides, flowcharts, and professional development presentations.
Foster Care/McKinney-Vento Collaborative

Foster Care/McKinney-Vento Collaborative

Youth Services facilitates the Foster Youth Services/Homeless Education Collaborative, a quarterly meeting for districts and service providers, to coordinate services and provide support to the Foster Youth and McKinney-Vento District Education Liaisons, foster and homeless students and their families.

 Date/Time Location
August 19, 2025 10:00 am - 11:30 am COE Board Room
January 20, 2026 10:00 am - 11:15 am COE Board Room
April 28, 2026 10:00 am - 11:15 am  COE Board Room
McKinney-Vento Education Council (MVEC)

McKinney-Vento Education Council (MVEC)

Youth Services facilitates the Foster Youth Services/Homeless Education Collaborative, a quarterly meeting for districts and service providers, to coordinate services and provide support to the Foster Youth and McKinney-Vento District Education Liaisons, foster and homeless students and their families.

 Date/Time Location
August 19, 2025 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm COE Board Room
January 20, 2026 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm COE Board Room
April 28, 2026 1:45 pm - 3:00 pm COE Board Room
CONTACTS

CONTACTS

Youth Services Director:Alejandra Chamberlain | (925) 942-3308
Education Liaison I: Gina Bills | (925) 942-3363
Administrative Assistant III: Dana Padilla | (925) 942-3417