[CA] CALPADS Flash #295: California Fires & Homeless Education Program

Immediate Enrollment of Homeless Students

• Schools must enroll homeless students immediately, even without required paperwork (e.g., school records, medical records, proof of residency).
• Enrollment includes attending classes and participating in school activities.
• Homeless liaisons should assist families with enrollment and ensure academic support.

Defining Homelessness Under McKinney-Vento Act

Students qualify as homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. This includes:

• Sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of home.
• Living in motels, hotels, shelters, or trailer parks.
• Staying in public or private places not meant for human habitation.
• Residing in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, bus/train stations, or substandard housing.
• Migratory children who live in similar unstable conditions.

Reporting Homeless Students in CALPADS

• Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) must submit a Student Program (SPRG) record with Education Program Code 191 – Homeless Program.
• The program start date should reflect the day the student became homeless.
• Even though students affected by fires after Census Day (October 2, 2024) will not impact LCFF funding, updating records is essential for accurate federal funding.

Annual Housing Questionnaire Requirement

• Under California Education Code Section 48851, schools must administer a housing questionnaire annually to identify students experiencing homelessness.
• Schools should frequently update CALPADS to help state and county officials provide necessary support.

Additional Resources

• National Center for Homeless Education (NCHE) provides materials and guidance on disaster preparation and response: NCHE Website.
• Homeless Education Technical Assistance Center (HETAC) offers California-specific disaster resources: HETAC Disaster Resources.
• California Department of Education (CDE) Wildfire Resources: CDE Wildfire Support.
• For direct assistance, contact CDE’s Homeless Education Program:
  📧 HomelessEd@cde.ca.gov | ☎ 1-866-856-8214

Conclusion

Schools play a critical role in supporting students displaced by natural disasters. Accurate reporting in CALPADS, immediate enrollment, and access to homeless services ensure affected students receive educational stability and necessary resources.

Click here to learn more about MeasureED's CALPADS Support services!