A. “Alternative education” means an education program authorized pursuant to California Education Code Section 58500 et seq., and offering an alternative structure, learning philosophy, or academic emphasis than that of traditional public schools. Alternative education is often characterized by responsiveness to instructional style differences, alternative scholastic schedules and small unit size. Alternative education programs include, but are not necessarily limited to, Community Day Middle School, the Portal, Bounce Back and MAST programs of the Sweetwater Union High School District, and others.

B. “Compulsory education,” “compulsory continuation education” and “compulsory alternative education” mean any educational program authorized by a minor’s school district and complying with California’s compulsory education law requiring persons between six and 18 years of age to attend school full-time unless otherwise exempted.

C. “Emergency” means a situation in which property or human life is in jeopardy and prompt aid is essential, and includes, but is not limited to, fire, natural disaster, automobile accident, injury to person, and necessity for immediate medical care for another person.

D. “Home school instruction” means any private program of instruction authorized by the California Department of Education that designates the minor’s home as a private school in accordance with California Education Code Section 48222, and provides compulsory instruction of the minor in his or her own home.

E. “Independent study” means an alternative instructional class or course of instruction authorized by a minor’s school district in accordance with California Education Code Section 51745 et seq., and allowing for a minor’s independent course of study according to a written agreement and under the general supervision of a credentialed teacher or teachers.

F. “Minor” means any person under 18 years of age.

G. “Parent” means the biological or adoptive parent of a minor or other lawful guardian.

H. “Public place” means any place to which the public has access and includes, but is not limited to, streets, highways, and those areas of schools open to the public, hospitals, office buildings, transportation facilities, shopping centers, and malls.

I. “Session” means the hours of expected and established attendance in any week in which a San Diego County school is in session for at least one day. (Ord. 3259 § 1, 2013; Ord. 2750 § 1, 1998. Formerly 9.09.040).