Homeless Information

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (PA ECYEH Program) assures the execution of the federal legislation, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. Implementation of this program ensures that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same, free, appropriate public education, including preschool education, as provided to other children and youth.

Rights of Homeless Children & Youth Include:

Continuing their education in their current school, and provide transportation to that school, (if feasible);
Immediate enrollment in the school district where they are temporarily housed;
Assistance with obtaining school records *Note: lack of school records may not affect the right to immediate enrollment;
Participation in all applicable school programs, including supplementary instructional programs, field trips, and other enrichment activities as well as after-school recreational programs, etc.;
Assistance with school-related expenses, such as: supplies, clothing, uniforms, meals, etc.

Each school district in the United States has a designated Homeless Liaison. This person is responsible for assuring that each homeless child or youth receives all the services guaranteed by federal law.

Please Contact the School Social Worker if you have additional questions or need assistance.

CONTACT INFO

Erika Erdley
School Social Worker
[email protected]
(814) 244-3514

Region 6 Homeless Coordinator:
Sarah Schroth
Telephone: (724) 463-5300 x 1203
Email: [email protected]

Regional Coordinator for Foster Care:
Irene Walker
Telephone: (724) 463-5300 x1207
Email: [email protected]

In addition, Pennsylvania is served by eight regional PA ECYEH Programs that cover all counties and school districts in the state. The contact information for each region can be found on the web at: https://homeless.center-school.org/

Contact may also be made to:
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Division of Student & Safe School Services
Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program
333 Market Street
5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17126
Phone: 717-683-6468

LINKS

FAQ

Who is considered homeless?

Homeless Children and Youth May be Found Living in the Following Places or Situations:

Public or private shelters;
With a parent in a domestic violence shelter;
Transitional housing programs;
Public or private places not designated for, or ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations such as; vehicles, parks, hotels/motels, campgrounds, etc.;
Individuals and/or families staying with relatives or friends due to lack of housing;
Unaccompanied Homeless Youth – a child not in the physical custody of a legal parent or guardian. Includes runaways, children thrown out or kicked out of their home;
Children abandoned or separated from their parents;
Children of migrant families who lack adequate housing.

Does residency have to be proven?

No, because homeless families are unable to establish a "home" permanently, a school cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay the enrollment of school-age children.

What choice of schools do homeless students have?

The law indicates that the local education agency shall, according to the child's best interest:

(i) continue the child's or youth's education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness (I) in any case in which a family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year;

(ii) for the remainder of the academic year, if the child or youth becomes permanently housed during an academic year; or (II) enroll the child or youth in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.

Is there any reason to delay enrolling a homeless child?

No. The school selected shall immediately enroll the child/youth in school, even if the child or youth lacks records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation. The terms "enroll" and "enrollment" are defined to include attending classes and participating fully in school activities. The enrolling school must immediately contact the last school the child or youth attended to obtain relevant academic and other records. Immunization records can be transferred over the phone from the school nurse of the sending school to the school nurse of the receiving school.

Where can you call for assistance?

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program exists to help homeless children with a wide variety of services. We can assist homeless children during this time of change and stress. If you are homeless with school-age children or you are a school, agency, or shelter employee, please contact one of the persons listed below.