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2019 Annual Notice to Families

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Availability of Prospectus

 

Upon request, all EFC schools will make available to any parent or legal guardian, a school prospectus, which shall include the curriculum, including titles, descriptions, and instructional aims of every course offered.  Please note that, pursuant to law, EFC schools may charge for the prospectus in an amount not to exceed the cost of duplication.

 

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (“CAASPP”)

EFC schools shall annually administer required state testing to the applicable grades (e.g., the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress.)  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a parent’s or guardian’s written request to School officials to excuse his or her child from any or all parts of the state assessments shall be granted.

 

Cal Grant Program Notice

EFC schools are required by state law to submit the GPA of all high school seniors by Oct. 1 of each year, unless the student over age 18 or parent/guardian for those under 18 opt-out. Students currently in eleventh (11th) grade will be deemed a Cal Grant applicant, unless the Student (or Parent, if the Student is under 18) has opted out by or before February 1.   

 

School wide Safety Plan

Each EFC school has established a Safety Plan. Notice of the Plan details is available to the public through the EFC main office on request.

 

Child Find

We are dedicated to the belief that all students can learn and must be guaranteed equal opportunity to become contributing members of the academic environment and society.  EFC schools provide special education instruction and related services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Improvement Act (“IDEIA”), Education Code requirements, and applicable policies and procedures of the El Dorado County Charter SELPA.  These services are available for special education students enrolled at EFC schools. We offer high quality educational programs and services for all our students in accordance with the assessed needs of each student. EFC schools collaborate with parents, the student, teachers, and other agencies, as may be indicated, in order to appropriately serve the educational needs of each student.

 

Pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (20 U.S.C. §§ 1400 et. seq) and relevant state law, EFC schools are responsible for identifying, locating, and evaluating children enrolled at any EFC school with known or suspected disabilities to determine whether a need for special education and related services exists.  This includes children with disabilities who are homeless or are wards of the State. To ensure that eligible students are receiving the services to which they are entitled, we would like to request your assistance.

If you know of a child who has a disability or that you suspect may have a disability, you may refer that child’s parent or guardian to EFC by contacting Julie Powell at jpowell@efcps.net or calling 510-568-7936 and asking for the Department of Student Support Services.  Please note: All referrals are considered confidential. The parent, legal guardian, or surrogate parent retains the right to refuse services and other procedural safeguards under federal and state law.

 

Concussion/Head Injuries

A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a blow to another part of the body with the force transmitted to the head. Even though most concussions are mild, all concussions are potentially serious and may result in complications including prolonged brain damage and death if not recognized and managed properly.  Because EFC middle school programs offer athletic programs, we must immediately remove from a school-sponsored athletic activity for the remainder of the day an athlete who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury during that activity. The athlete may not return to that activity until he or she is evaluated by, and receives written clearance from, a licensed health care provider. If the licensed health care provider determines the athlete has a concussion or head injury, the athlete shall also complete a graduated return-to-play protocol of no less than 7 days in duration under the supervision of a licensed health care provider. On a yearly basis, a concussion and head injury information sheet must be signed and returned by the athlete and the athlete’s parent or guardian before the athlete initiates practice or competition. This requirement does not apply to an athlete engaging in an athletic activity during the regular school day or as part of a physical education course.

 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

EFC is invested in the health of its athletes, especially their heart health.  Sudden cardiac arrest (“SCA”) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and unexpectedly. Those wishing to participate in athletics at an EFC school, must review the information sheet on sudden cardiac arrest via the link below and attached to this handbook: https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/docs/cardiac-arrest-infographic.pdf

 

Tests on Personal Beliefs

Unless you give written permission, your child will not be given any test, questionnaire, survey, or examination containing any questions about your child’s, or his/her parents’ or guardians’ personal beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality, or religion.

 

Diabetes

EFC schools will provide an information sheet regarding type 2 diabetes to the parents or guardians of 7th grade students, pursuant to Education Code Section 49452.7. The information sheet shall include, but shall not be limited to, all of the following:

 

1. A description of type 2 diabetes.

2. A description of the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 2 diabetes.

3. A recommendation that students displaying or possibly suffering from risk factors or warning signs associated with type 2 diabetes should be screened for type 2 diabetes.

4. A description of treatments and prevention of methods of type 2 diabetes.

5. A description of the different types of diabetes screening tests available.

 

Free and Reduced Price Meals

EFC schools participate in the National School Lunch Program. Applications for free or reduced price meals are included in the first day packets to all families and can also be obtained on the EFC website and in the main office. All families are encouraged to complete the application form in order to include as many eligible students as possible.

 

Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying

Discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are all disruptive behaviors, which interfere with students’ ability to learn and negatively affect student engagement, diminish school safety, and contribute to a hostile school environment.  As such, EFC schools prohibit any acts of discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying altogether. This policy is inclusive of instances that occur on any area of the school campus, at school-sponsored events and activities, regardless of location, through school-owned technology, and through other electronic means.

 

As used in this policy, discrimination, sexual harassment, harassment, intimidation, and bullying are described as the intentional conduct, including verbal, physical, written communication or cyber-bullying, including cyber sexual bullying,   based on the actual or perceived characteristics of disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, ancestry, race or ethnicity, immigration status, religion, religious affiliation , sexual orientation, childbirth or related medical conditions, marital status, age, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance or regulation.  

 

A copy of our policy governing Harassment, Intimidation, Discrimination and Bullying is available upon request and posted as required by law.

 

Immunizations and Physical Examinations

To ensure a safe learning environment for all students, EFC schools follow and abide by the health standards set forth by the state of California. Students will not attend school until all require records have been received.  The immunization status of all students will be reviewed periodically. Those students who do not meet the State guidelines may be excluded from school until the requirements are met. Students who have been exposed to a communicable disease for which they have not been immunized may be excluded from school at the discretion of the EFC school.

 

Homeless Students

The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence due to economic hardship. It includes children and youths who (42 USC 11434(a)):

 

1. Are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;

2. Have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations for human beings;

3. Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

4. Migratory children and unaccompanied youth (youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian) may be considered homeless if they meet the above definition of “homeless.”

 

Homeless status is determined in cooperation with the parent or guardian. In the case of unaccompanied youth, status is determined by the School Liaison.

 

School Liaison:  The CEO or designee designates the following staff person as the School Liaison for homeless students ((42 USC 11432(g)(1)(J) & (e)(3)(C).):  

 

Brandee Stewart

333 Hegenberger Rd, suite 600, Oakland, CA 94621

bstewart@efcps.net

510-568-7936

The School Liaison shall ensure that (42 U.S.C. 11432(g)):

1. Homeless students are identified by school personnel and through coordination activities with other entities and agencies.

2. Homeless students enroll in, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed at the EFC schools

3. Homeless students and families receive educational services for which they are eligible, including services through Head Start programs (including Early Head Start programs) under the Head Start Act, early intervention services under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, any other preschool programs administered by the EFC School, if any, and referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health services and substance abuse services, housing services, and other appropriate services.

4. Parents/guardians are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children.

5. Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children is disseminated at places frequented by parents or guardians of such youths, and unaccompanied youths, including schools, shelters, public libraries, and soup kitchens, and in a manner and form understandable to the parents and guardians of homeless youth and unaccompanied youth.

6. Enrollment/admissions disputes are mediated in accordance with law and Board policy.

7. Parents/guardians and any unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, as applicable.

8. EFC school personnel providing services receive professional development and other support.

9. The School Liaison collaborates with State coordinators and community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths.

10. Unaccompanied youth are enrolled in school; have opportunities to meet the same challenging State academic standards as the State establishes for other children and youth; and are informed of their status as independent students under section 480 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and that the youths may obtain assistance from the School Liaison to receive verification of such status for the purposes of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid described in section 483 of the Act.

11. For any homeless student who enrolls at the EFC school, a copy of the EFC school’s complete policy shall be provided at the time of enrollment and at least twice annually.

 

Nondiscrimination Statement

Education for Change does not discriminate against any student or employee on the basis of actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, immigration status, religion, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that is contained in the definition of hate crimes in the California Penal Code.

 

EFC’s schools adhere to all provisions of federal law related to students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (“IDEIA”).

 

Education for Change is committed to providing a work and educational atmosphere that is free of unlawful harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (sex); Titles IV, VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin);The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; The Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the IDEIA; and Section 504 and Title II of the ADA (mental or physical disability). EFC also prohibits sexual harassment, including cyber sexual bullying, and harassment based upon pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, race, religion, religious affiliation, creed, color, immigration status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance or regulation. EFC does not condone or tolerate harassment of any type, including discrimination, intimidation, or bullying, including cyber sexual bullying, by any employee, independent contractor or other person with which EFC does business, or any other individual, student, or volunteer.  This applies to all employees, students, or volunteers and relationships, regardless of position or gender. EFC will promptly and thoroughly investigate any complaint of harassment and take appropriate corrective action, if warranted. Inquiries, complaints, or grievances regarding harassment as described in this section, above, should be directed to the EFC Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) Compliance Officer:

 

Larissa Adam, Superintendent of Schools

Education for Change

333 Hegenberger Road, Suite 600

Oakland, CA 94621

ladam@efcps.net

510-568-7936

 

Oral Health Assessment

Students enrolled in kindergarten in a public school or while enrolled in first grade if the pupil was not previously enrolled in kindergarten in a public school are required to have an oral health assessment completed by a dental professional. Please contact the school office if you have questions about this requirement.

 

Parent and Family Engagement

Education for Change Public Schools’ (EFC) aims to provide all students in our schools significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps while abiding by guidelines within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).

 

EFC staff recognizes a partnership with families is essential to meet this goal. Our family engagement policy leverages promotes active involvement of all families as partners with schools to ensure student success.

 

Providing Information

 

A. A Family Leadership Council (FLC) shall be established, consisting of parent representatives from each school receiving Title I funding. Representatives shall meet at least five times per year and report back to school through conversation with administrators, family engagement leaders, PTA, etc. The FLC will work together with the Instructional Leadership team to:

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1. Involve parents in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of various components funded by the Title I grant.

2. Provide input on educational opportunities for children, and make recommendations for strengthening the partnerships between home and school in order to improve student achievement.

3. Develop, annually review, and revise at least annually the EFC family engagement policy and the school level site plans.

4. Develop an annual survey of schools receiving Title I funding to determine the range and effectiveness of the family engagement practices and to capture schools’ efforts to overcome barriers to family engagement.

5. Prepare an annual report to the EFC Board with recommendations for enhancing services.

6. Stay abreast of changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) in relation to Title I services and provide updates to parents at the schools.

B. EFC Home Office staff will support each school to:

1. Work jointly with parents to develop a school-level Family Engagement Policy and School-Home Compact and to ensure these meet the requirements of the ESEA. These documents will be reviewed and distributed to parents annually, revised, at least, every two years, and translated for accessibility for all parents.

2. Collect and share family engagement strategies taking place in schools

 

Coordination and Assistance

 

A. Each EFC school will actively involve parents in their school improvement planning process and in the review and revision of the school-level Family Engagement Policy and School-Home Compact.

 

B. Home Office staff will:

1. Support each school’s collaboration with parents through meetings, surveys, and informal discussions that can help parents understand the curriculum, instructional practices, academic assessments, expected proficiency levels and strategies to support their children at home to improve student achievement.

2. Collaborate with schools to ensure availability of parent and family programs such as: Parent leadership and advocacy training; Family literacy events; Family curriculum, math, and science events; Principal’s coffees and parent workshops; Family field trips

3. Collaborate with EFC home office staff to inform parents of available Adult ESOL classes, parent workshops, and family literacy programs.

4. Collaborate with EFC home office staff to support schools in developing partnerships with local community organizations in support of student achievement and improved parental involvement.

 

Building Capacity

 

A. In order to support implementation and further development of family engagement strategies and actions related to the EFC Board’s Student Achievement Goals and focus on closing achievement gaps, each EFC school will identify a parent coordinator and a faculty family engagement leader. The faculty family engagement leader will:

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1. Gain access to additional family engagement professional learning opportunities.

2. Serve as point of contact for the school’s FLC representative and instructional staff.

3. Share family engagement resources, updates, and parental involvement and volunteer opportunities with the school community.

4. Participate in reflective conversations about the school’s family engagement practices to support school improvement planning and closing achievement gaps.

 

B. To build schools’ capacity for strong family engagement, home office staff will:

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1. Facilitate opportunities for school staff to share successful programs and strategies,

2. Promote reflective processes for schools to assess current practices and identify potential opportunities for strengthening family engagement.

3. Provide informational resources to schools to explain Title I federal regulations to parents

4. Collaborate with other EFC staff to provide professional learning opportunities and resources to assist schools in strengthening family engagement and overcoming barriers to family engagement.

5. Consult with school staff to support the development of school-level Family Engagement Policies and School-Home Compacts.

6. Support schools in Site Budget planning for effective family engagement programming.

7. Offer logistical support for schools to develop or maintain parent centers to provide parents with resources, information, and opportunities for partnership.

8. Produce and distribute a parent newsletter to inform parents about opportunities and resources for involvement and to highlight effective family engagement practices.

9. Recommend materials for family engagement programs

 

Accessibility

 

A. EFC Schools will:

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1. Engage in practices to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for families of all cultures and backgrounds.

2. Offer family engagement events at times convenient to parents, ensuring childcare, refreshments, and transportation are available, as needed, to facilitate full participation.

3. Whenever possible, enlist interpreters and translators to communicate with parents who have requested correspondence in another language.

4. Apply principles of nondiscrimination, as embodied within Board policy.

 

B. Home Office staff will:

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1. Ensure translations are available in all correspondence languages identified within a school for all federally required Title I communications to parents within ESEA, such as A Parent’s Right to Know.

2. Ensure translated materials and language interpreters are available for all events sponsored by Title I funds

 

Pupil Records, including Challenges and Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  These rights are:

 

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 5 business days after the day the school receives a request for access.  Parents or eligible students should submit to the EFC school principal or designee a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect.

 

The school will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

 

1. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.  

 

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the EFC to amend a record should write the EFC school principal or designee, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

 

1. The right to provide written consent before EFC discloses personally identifiable information (“PII”) from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

 

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to EFC school officials with legitimate educational interests. A EFC school official is a person employed by EFC as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the EFC Board. An EFC school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of EFC who performs an institutional service of function for which EFC would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another EFC school official in performing his or her tasks. An EFC school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

 

Upon request, EFC discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.

 

Note that EFC will not release information to third parties for immigration-enforcement purposes, except as required by law or court order.

 

1. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by EFC to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202

 

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from student’s education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to EFC school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires EFC to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. EFC may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student —

 

1. To other EFC school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom EFC has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) - (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (§99.31(a)(1)).

 

1. To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2)).

 

1. To authorize representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35).

 

1. In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§99.31(a)(4)).

 

1. To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§99.31(a)(7)).

 

1. To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8)).

 

1. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9)).

 

1. To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (§99.31(a)(10).

 

1. Information the EFC School has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11)).

 

“Directory Information” is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released. Directory information can be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish year books. The EFC School has designated the following information as directory information:

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1. Student’s name

2. Student’s address

3. Parent’s/guardian’s address

4. Telephone listing

5. Student’s electronic mail address

6. Parent’s/guardian’s electronic mail address

7. Photograph

8. Date and place of birth

9. Dates of attendance

10. Grade level

11. Weight and height of members of athletic teams

12. Degrees, honors, and awards received

13. The most recent educational agency or institution attended

14. Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifiers used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s social security number, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)

 

If you do not want EFC to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the school  in writing at the time of enrollment or re-enrollment. Please notify the Site Operations Manager at the school site.

 

Section 504

EFC schools recognize their legal responsibility to ensure that no qualified person with a disability shall, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program of EFC.  Any student who has an objectively identified disability which substantially limits a major life activity, including, but not limited to learning, is eligible for accommodations by EFC. The parent of any student suspected of needing or qualifying for accommodations under Section 504 may make a referral for an evaluation to any site administrator.  A copy of EFC’s Section 504 policies and procedures is available upon request.

 

Sexual Health Education

A Parent or guardian of a student has the right to excuse their child from all or part of comprehensive sexual health education, HIV prevention education, and assessments related to that education through a passive consent (“opt-out”) process. EFC does not require active parental consent (“opt-in”) for comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education. Parents and guardians may:

 

• Inspect written and audiovisual educational materials used in comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education.

• Excuse their child from participation comprehensive sexual health education and HIV prevention education in writing to the school.

• Be informed whether the comprehensive sexual health or HIV/AIDS prevention education will be taught by EFC school personnel or outside consultants. When the school chooses to use outside consultants or to hold an assembly with guest speakers to teach comprehensive sexual health or HIV/AIDS prevention education, be informed of:

  • The date of the instruction

  • The name of the organization or affiliation of each guest speaker

• Request a copy of Education Codes 51930 through 51939.

 

Anonymous, voluntary, and confidential research and evaluation tools to measure student’s health behaviors and risks may be administered to 7th and 8th grade students. A parent or guardian has the right to excuse their child from the test, questionnaire, or survey (“opt-out”). Parents or guardians shall be notified in writing that this test, questionnaire, or survey is to be administered, given the opportunity to review the test, questionnaire, or survey if they wish, notified of their right to excuse their child from the test, questionnaire, or survey, and informed that in order to excuse their child they must state their request in writing to the school.

 

A Student may not attend any class in comprehensive sexual health education or HIV prevention education, or participate in any anonymous, voluntary, and confidential test, questionnaire, or survey on student health behaviors and risks, if the school has received a written request from the student’s parent or guardian excusing the student from participation. An alternative educational activity shall be made available to students whose parents or guardians have requested that they not receive the instruction or participate in the test, questionnaire, or survey.

 

Teacher Qualification Information

All parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of classroom teachers and/or paraprofessionals.

 

Uniform Complaint Procedure

Education for Change has the primary responsibility to insure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and has established procedures to address allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and complaints alleging violation of state or federal laws governing educational programs, including the charging of unlawful pupil fees, non-compliance with the Local Control Funding Formula, and non-compliance with reasonable accommodations for lactating pupils.

 

Education for Change shall investigate and seek to resolve complaints using policies and procedures known as the Uniform Complaint Procedure (“UCP”) adopted by our Governing Board. Unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying complaints may be based on actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, immigration status, ethnic group identification, gender expression, gender identity, gender, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, nationality, national origin, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or on a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, in any EFC program or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance.

 

The UCP shall also be used when addressing complaints alleging failure to comply with state and/or federal laws in:

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• Adult Education

• After School Education and Safety Programs

• Agricultural Vocational Education Programs

• American Indian Education Centers

• Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs

• Career Technical and Technical Education and Training Programs

• Child Care and Developmental Programs

• Child Nutrition Programs

• Foster and Homeless Youth Services

• Migrant Education

• Every Student Succeeds Act / No Child Left Behind Act Programs

• Regional Occupational Centers

• Special Education Programs

• State Preschool

• Lactating Pupils

• Bilingual Education

• Economic Impact Aid

• Tobacco-Use Prevention Education

• Local Control Funding Formula/Local Control and Accountability Plan

• Juvenile Court School Pupils

 

A complaint of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees may be filed pursuant to the local UCP. A pupil enrolled in a public school shall not be required to pay a pupil fee for participation in an educational activity.  A pupil fee includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

 

• A fee charged to a pupil as a condition for registering for school or classes, or as a condition for participation in a class or an extracurricular activity, regardless of whether the class or activity is elective or compulsory, or is for credit.

• A security deposit, or other payment, that a pupil is required to make to obtain a lock, locker, book, class apparatus, musical instrument, clothes, or other materials or equipment.

• A purchase that a pupil is required to make to obtain materials, supplies, equipment, or clothes associated with an educational activity.

• A pupil fee complaint shall not be filed later than one (1) year from the date the alleged violation occurred.

 

Complaints of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees are filed with the EFC Superintendent of Schools. A complaint regarding pupil fees may be filed anonymously if the complaint provides evidence or information to support an allegation of noncompliance with laws relating to pupil fees.  Complaints other than complaints relating to pupil fees must be filed in writing with the following compliance officer:

 

Larissa Adam, Superintendent of Schools

Education for Change

333 Hegenberger Road, Suite 600

Oakland, CA 94621

ladam@efcps.net

510-568-7936

 

Complaints alleging discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, must be filed within six (6) months from the date the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, occurred or the date the complainant first obtained knowledge of the facts of the alleged discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying, unless the time for filing is extended by the Superintendent or designee in writing.

 

Complaints will be investigated and a written Decision or report will be sent to the complainant within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the complaint. This sixty (60) day time period may be extended by written agreement of the complainant. The compliance officer responsible for investigating the complaint shall conduct and complete the investigation in accordance with California regulations and in accordance with Education for Change’s procedures.

 

The complainant has a right to appeal EFC’s Decision to the California Department of Education (“CDE”) by filing a written appeal within fifteen (15) days of receiving the Decision. The appeal must include a copy of the complaint filed with the School and a copy of EFC’s Decision.

 

Civil law remedies may be available under state or federal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying laws, if applicable. In appropriate cases, an appeal may be filed pursuant to Education Code Section 262.3. A complainant may pursue available civil law remedies outside of EFC’s complaint procedures. Complainants may seek assistance from mediation centers or public/private interest attorneys. Civil law remedies that may be imposed by a court include, but are not limited to, injunctions and restraining orders.

 

A copy of the UCP policy and complaint procedures shall be available free of charge in the Main Office. For further information on any part of the complaint procedures, including filing a complaint or requesting a copy of the complaint procedures, please contact the Superintendent of Schools.