​​​ Access to Government Programs​

Catholic schools and their students are eligible to participate in a number of federal, state and local government programs.  These include, but are not limited to, federal programs under Titles I, IIA, III and IV, the National Hot Lunch Program, E-rate, California Teleconnect, and various L.A. County Parks and Recreation programs.

School principals must be aware of federal programs, including Title I, IIA, III and IV services available to Catholic school students, teachers, parents/guardians, and other educational personnel. Principals need to be proactive in pursuing full participation in all available programs that are consistent with Church philosophy. Principals cannot rely on the willingness of public school counterparts to make private school participation a reality. It is appropriate for principals to initiate and actively request inclusion in program planning and implementation. To determine if the provided services are adequate and equitable, it is necessary to regularly monitor type and quality. If the public school district is uncooperative, the principal should bring the concerns to the regional superintendent of the Department of Catholic Schools. The Department of Catholic Schools and the archdiocese provide support, training, and information on these matters.​

​​​​The Department of Catholic Schools assists principals of Catholic schools when participating in government-funded programs such as Title I, Title IIA, Title III and Title IV from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). In this process, the Department of Catholic Schools establishes regular lines of communication with public school districts and actively pursues the inclusion of the Catholic schools in the planning and implementation of appropriate programs.  Schools outside the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) represent themselves in relation to their own public school district in matters pertaining to government programs.  The Department of Catholic Schools is available as a resource to these schools. The Department of Catholic Schools represents a consortium of schools in the LAUSD. Schools should inquire from their regional superintendent for further information.

Individual schools should not enter into any agreements for government-funded programs without first consulting with the Department of Catholic Schools​, which may also consult with the Office of the Legal Counsel.

Note: Title IX does not apply to an educational institution that is controlled by a religious organization to the extent that application of Title IX would be inconsistent with the religious tenets of the organization. 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)(3); 34 C.F.R. § 106.12(a).

Other important government resources and programs include E-​rate, which provides discounts, rebates, and other financial support for technology and telecommunications services for schools that meet financial qualifications. The archdiocese provides technical support to coordinate and assist since the applications are detailed and improper applications can result in significant sanctions and penalties. The archdiocese oversees E-rate matters and provides application information and support. See also Funds for​ Learning​.

Note:  All records for government funded programs must be retained for at least 10 years.​

The Department of Catholic Schools assists schools in:

• Staying informed on all federal and state programs and services that are available to private school students, teachers, and parents/guardians

• Liaising with public school districts to ensure compliance with state and federal programs available to private school students, teachers, and parents/guardians

• Advocating for private school students in procuring available public services

• Serving on appropriate local, state, and federal committees dealing with government-funded programs​​