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California

McKinney-Vento Support for California School District Liaisons

We understand that as a McKinney-Vento liaison, you likely juggle multiple responsibilities within your district. Our mission is to help you become the most effective liaison possible while making your complex job more manageable.

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The Challenge in California

More than 269,000 students in California experienced homelessness in 2022-2023. As the state with the largest homeless student population in the country, California liaisons face unique challenges:

One of which is meeting federal and state compliance requirements while managing limited time and resources.

Managing scale

Managing the scale of student homelessness across diverse urban and rural districts

Housing affordability

Addressing the severe housing affordability crisis driving family homelessness

Supporting students

Supporting the 21% of homeless students who are unaccompanied youth

Regional differences

Navigating significant regional disparities in resources between districts

Did you know?

On average, 2.8% of any student population is eligible for McKinney-Vento services. In California, this percentage is often higher due to housing affordability challenges.

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California McKinney-Vento Resources

check-mark California Department of Education Homeless Education contacts

check-mark California-specific forms and requirements

check-mark Regional coordinator information for all 58 counties

check-mark State funding opportunities, including targeted grants for high-need districts

check-mark Local support organizations and housing partnerships

check-mark Guidance on accessing and utilizing Title I set-aside funds and other funding
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Download our California McKinney-Vento Quick Guide for essential state-specific information.

How McKinney-Vento.org Supports California Liaisons

Streamlined Compliance

Our platform simplifies compliance with California's specific McKinney-Vento requirements, including the state's expanded definition of homelessness and additional protections beyond federal law. We help you meet your legal obligations efficiently and thoroughly.

 

Enhanced Identification: Your "Army of Awareness"

Our California-specific screening tools help you identify the often-hidden homeless student population, particularly those in doubled-up situations who make up 84% of California's homeless students. Our role-specific training modules create an "army of awareness" by equipping bus drivers, food service staff, coaches, counselors, and administrators to recognize signs of homelessness and direct students to your services.

Comprehensive Training

Access specialized training resources tailored to California's unique context, including strategies for supporting students in high-cost housing markets and coordinating with the state's robust network of community resources. Our training helps you fulfill the legal requirement to train all staff who interact with students.

Data Management and Funding Support

Our platform helps track and report the metrics required by the California Department of Education, simplifying your reporting process and ensuring accurate counts for funding purposes. Districts that effectively track services and demonstrate need are more successful in securing additional funding through McKinney-Vento grants and Title fund allocations.

Expert Guidance and Advocacy Support

Connect with our team of subject matter experts—former liaisons, regional coordinators, and state coordinators who understand California's unique challenges. We'll help you advocate within your district for proper resource allocation and can even join you in meetings with decision-makers to explain funding options and requirements.
Our Success

Success in California Schools

Los Angeles Unified School District increased their homeless student identification rate by 24% after implementing our platform, ensuring more students received the services they needed and securing additional funding for their programs.

 

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“ McKinney-Vento.org transformed how we support homeless students. The California-specific resources and streamlined processes allowed us to focus more on students and less on paperwork. Their team helped us navigate Title funding conversations with our district, resulting in a 30% increase in our program budget. ”

Maria Rodriguez

Homeless Liaison, San Diego Unified School District

California

Why California Districts Choose McKinney-Vento.org

check-mark California-Specific Expertise

Our team includes former California liaisons who understand the unique challenges of implementing McKinney-Vento in the state's complex educational landscape.

 

check-mark Proven Results Since 2014

We've helped over 200 California districts improve identification rates, compliance, and support services for homeless students. With more than 10 years of experience supporting 46+ states, we've developed a sustainable, year-after-year approach to McKinney-Vento implementation.

 

check-mark The Only Turnkey Solution Available

Unlike occasional webinars or outdated resources from other organizations, we provide a comprehensive platform with ongoing tracking, technology, and consulting support. We're the only complete solution that addresses all aspects of your McKinney-Vento responsibilities.

 

Ready to Better Support California's Homeless Students?

Join the 200+ districts in California already using McKinney-Vento.org to improve outcomes for students experiencing homelessness.

Or sign up for our Free Liaison Portal to access essential resources.

We'll help you find the funding and build internal support to make this program successful in your district.