Liaison Mentorship Program

• Strengthen the liaison’s knowledge of McKinney-Vento requirements.

• Promote best practices in identifying and supporting homeless students.

• Provide personalized, ongoing support to new liaisons.

• Increase compliance, advocacy, and student outcomes.

Mentor Criteria

• Currently employed by a Local Educational Agency in ECYEH Region 2 (Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill Counties)

• Minimum of 2 years serving as a district-wide homeless liaison

• Demonstrated understanding of McKinney-Vento provisions

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Willingness to dedicate time for monthly mentoring activities

Mentee Eligibility

• Currently employed by a Local Educational Agency in ECYEH Region 2 (Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill Counties)

• New liaisons (1 year or less in the role)

• Liaisons seeking additional support on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

• Must commit to regular participation in program activities

Time Commitment

• Mentors & Mentees 1-2 hours per month, October 2026 - May 2027

1. Orientation - October 5, 2026 - 10 am - 11 am

   • The orientation will review the program’s goals, expectations, and available resources.

   • Zoom invitation will be sent to all mentors and mentees 

2. Meet and Greet - October 7, 2026 - 10:15 -10:45 am

   • In-person during the Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference (Eden Resort Lancaster, 222 Eden Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601). Room details TBD.

   • Mentors and mentees are also encouraged to connect during the following times if they would like additional opportunities to meet during the conference:

     1. • Day 1 Lunch: Meet during the “lunch on your own” time. Eden has an in-house restaurant if convenient.

        • Day 1 or Day 2 at 9:00 AM: Meet for coffee or tea before sessions and keynotes begin.

        • Reflect & Refresh Room: Available for networking during breaks. The room is open 8:00 AM–4:00 PM each conference day.

3. Monthly Mentor Check-ins

   • One-on-one virtual or in-person sessions (1–2 hours) focused on networking, mentorship, guidance, and problem-solving. Mentors and/or mentees will complete a brief questionnaire after each check-in.

   • Mentors and mentees who choose to connect in person can apply to receive a Panera gift card (while supplies last) to support and encourage relationship-building.

4. Ongoing Professional Development

   • Mentees are encouraged to participate in the following virtual McKinney-Vento Training Program sessions. See the event calendar and registration page for more details. 

• McKinney-Vento Act 101: The basics and beyond

• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

• The Intersection of MKV and FERPA

• The Intersection of MKV and IDEA

• MKV & Immigrant Youth

5. ECYEH Regional Office Support

   • If any questions arise, the ECYEH Region 2 team is available to schedule a virtual meeting or phone call to provide clarification and guidance. Additionally, mentors and mentees are encouraged to join Region 2’s monthly office hours to review questions and scenarios. 

6. Resource Sharing

   • Review of the liaison resource library, templates, guides, and training materials during orientation.

7. End-of-Year Reflection and Recognition

   • Opportunity for mentors and mentees to reflect on progress, share feedback, and celebrate contributions.

For Mentors:

• Leadership development

• Recognition for service

• Certification of participation for LEA monitoring

• Opportunity to mentor and assist new liaisons in the region

• Enhance collaboration with local school staff

For Mentees:

• Practical support in real time

• Reduced feelings of isolation

• Increased knowledge and confidence

• Build relationships with local liaisons in the region

• Certification of completion for LEA monitoring 

Tabitha Kramer

ecyeh@berksiu.org 

610-603-6162 

Once matched as a mentor/mentee pair, you may request a Panera gift card to be used during your initial in-person meeting. Gift cards will be provided while supplies last. To request a gift card, fill out this Google Form.

1. Mentor/Mentee Check-in Questionnaire (Google Form)

2. Networking Activity Guide (Google Docs)