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McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance

The Education for Homeless Children and Youths (EHCY) program, authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act), is designed to address the needs of homeless children and youths and ensure educational rights and protections for these children and youths. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) amended the McKinney-Vento Act, and changes made by the ESSA will take effect on October 1, 2016.

For more information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001, please click here.

McKinney-Vento Overview

The MVK definition of homelessness, student rightsThe Definition of Homelessness:

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, children and youth who lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence will be considered homeless.

  • Fixed: A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent and not subject to change.
  • Regular: A regular residence is one which is normal, routine and used on a regular basis.
  • Adequate: An adequate residence is suitable for human habitation. It meets both the physical and psychological needs typically met in home environments.

Student Rights Under the Act:

  • Right to continue at the school of origin, the school they attended before becoming homeless or the school in which they were last enrolled.
  • Right to transfer to the school of residence.
  • Right to immediate enrollment even if they lack normally required documents such as immunization records or proof of residence.
  • Right to receive transportation to and from their school of origin for the duration of homelessness or for the rest of the school year after becoming permanently housed.
  • Right to be placed on the free school breakfast and lunch program.
  • Assistance with fees/ fines including field trips, physical education, lab fees, school sponsored extracurricular activities and other school fees.
  • Assistance in obtaining educational items including school supplies.
  • Assistance with connecting to social service agencies in the community.

Unaccompanied Youth Definition and Rights

Unaccompanied Youth Definition

  • Under the McKinney-Vento Act, an unaccompanied youth is defined as a child or youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian and lacking a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence. An unaccompanied youth does not need a precipitating event to be eligible for McKinney-Vento services. When a homeless unaccompanied youth is identified, the district will follow the above procedures but also include the items listed below.

Unaccompanied Youth Rights

  • The student will either be immediately enrolled in the district of residence or remain in the district of origin as an independent student. This means unaccompanied youth are able to enroll without a parent or guardian.
  • If the student is 18 or older and is a regular education student, he/she will have the right to his/her educational record and sign all documentation as an independent student.
  • If the student is under age 18 or has an IEP, the parents or guardians will retain their educational rights under FERPA.
  • If the student has an IEP and there is no parental involvement in his/her education, a surrogate parent or adult caregiver will be assigned to the student.
  • If the student is under the age of 18, is a regular education student and has no parental involvement, a district administrator or adult caregiver will be assigned to assist the student with educational decisions.

Link to Board Policy- SHSD School Board Policy 251 Homeless Students https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/stlh/board.nsf/public#

Link to BEC- PDE BEC- Education for Homeless Youthhttps://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/BECS/uscode/Pages/EducationforHomelessYouth.aspx

Who to Contact if you are experiencing homelessness

District Liaisons

District-Level Liaison: Dr. Samantha Neidlinger

  • Email: sneidlinger@shsd.k12.pa.us
  • Phone: 717-704-3800 ext. 3862

Building-Level Liaison: Dr. Sadie Kinnarney

  • Email: skinnarney@shsd.k12.pa.us
  • Phone: 717-704-3800 ext. 4204

Regional ECYEH Office

ECYEH Region 2