Homeless Youth Information

Homeless Liaison:                            Maria Luisa Gamboa
Los Nietos School District                   8324 S. Westman Ave
                                                            Whittier, CA  90606
                                                            562-692-0271 Ext. 3220

                                                            [email protected]

Children of homeless individuals and unaccompanied homeless youth residing within Los Nietos School District have equal access to the same free, appropriate, public education as provided to other children and youths who reside within the district. They shall be provided services comparable to services offered other children attending districts schools, including transportation services, educational services for which the children/youth meet eligibility criteria.

 

Specifically, if students live under any of these conditions:

• Living in a shelter (family, youth or domestic violence shelter or transitional living program)
• Living in a motel, hotel or weekly rate housing
• Living in a house or apartment with more than one family because of economic hardship or loss
• Living in an abandoned building, in a car, at a campground or on the street
• Living in substandard housing (without electricity, heat or water)
• Living with friends or family because you are a runaway or unaccompanied youth

• Homeless Liaison will ensure that:

1. Homeless children and youth residing in the district are identified by school personnel.
2. Homeless children and youth enrollment have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in schools in the district.
3. Homeless families, children, and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible and referrals to other appropriate agencies.
4. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youth is disseminated where such children and youth receive services.

1. The homeless child's parent/guardian or any unaccompanied homeless youth shall be advice of their choice of schools. The homeless child/youth shall be allowed to continue his/her education in the school of origin for the duration of the homelessness. School selection decision shall be made based on the best interest of the homeless child/youth.
2. The Homeless child/youth shall be immediately enrolled in the assigned school.  This must be done even if the child/youth is unable to produce records normally required for enrollment, such as  previous academic records, medical records,, proof of residency, or other documentation .
3. The homeless child/youth shall be placed in an appropriate grade level by the school principal, using the same procedures that are used for placing non-homeless children and youth attending that school.
4. Once enrolled, homeless children/youth shall have all the rights and privilege of non-homeless children attending school in the district, and shall be subject to the same school rules and regulations.

 

Should a student need assistance with any of the above-mentioned items, contact the LNSD homeless liaisons:

Lorena Valdez and Maria Luisa Gamboa, 562-692-0271 Ext. 3252 or 3220.