I am enrolling my child in school

1
Step 1 of 5: Enroll
Your family's status does not decide your child's right to school.
- School EnrollmentYour child can go to public school in California. Your family's immigration status doesn't change that. The school may not ask about your status, and you never need a Social Security number. Here is what to bring, what to say, and how to sign up in East Palo Alto.Guide
- Take this to the school officePrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
2
Step 2 of 5: Free meals and health care
Available without papers.
- Free school meals and health careYes, your child can get these without papers. Every California public school student can get free breakfast and lunch, with no form. Children under 19 can get full Medi-Cal whatever their status. Schools also check vision and dental health, give free supplies, and connect families to food for the summer. Here is what your child can get, how to get it, and what we know about immigration risk.Guide
3
Step 3 of 5: Language help
Interpreters and English learner support.
- English learner help and interpretersIf your child is new to the country or still learning English, California public schools must test their English, teach it every day, and keep you informed in your language in many cases. Newcomer teens in their last years of high school may also be able to graduate on the state's basic requirements. Here is what your child gets, what you can ask for, and how to get an interpreter.Guide
- English learner help and interpreters checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
4
Step 4 of 5: If your child needs extra support
You can ask for an evaluation.
- Special education in CaliforniaIf your child struggles to learn, speak, move, focus or behave in ways that worry you, you can ask the school for a free special education assessment. Put it in writing. The law then sets a clock. Your immigration status does not matter, and you have the right to understand every meeting in your language. Here is how it works, step by step.Guide
- Special education in California checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
5
Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- Know your educational rights (California schools)California Attorney General guidance for students and families on immigration enforcement at TK-12 schools. All children have a right to free public education regardless of their or their parents' immigration status.Organization
- California education servicesExplore state education services, school-related resources and learning opportunities.Organization

This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.

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I am enrolling my child in school

Step 1 of 5: Enroll

Step 2 of 5: Free meals and health care

Step 3 of 5: Language help

Step 4 of 5: If your child needs extra support

Step 5 of 5: Get help from a person

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