The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (ECYEH) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is based on the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This federal legislation ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate, public education.

Children and youth are eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act if they have been displaced from their homes and are living in a place that is not fixed, regular, or adequate, such as:

• Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
• In a place not designated as regular sleeping accommodation, such as a vehicle, park, hotel, or campground
• In a homeless or domestic violence shelter or transitional housing placement
• Outside of his/her home as an unaccompanied youth
• Awaiting foster care
• In any of the situations listed above as the child of a migrant family

Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:

• Continue their education in their current school, and receive transportation OR enroll immediately in the school where they are temporarily housed, even if lacking the paperwork normally required
• Participate in all applicable school programs, including supplemental services
• Receive free lunch
• Receive assistance with school-related expenses such as supplies, clothing, uniforms, etc.

For more information, please contact your child’s school counselor or the Director of Safe and Supportive Schools.