Learn the Basics

Understanding the ECYEH Program

The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) program, a Pennsylvania Department of Education initiative, is built upon the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This crucial legislation ensures that children and young people facing housing instability have the right to a free, appropriate, public education.

On July 22, 1987, the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act became public law. This was the first comprehensive federal law dealing with the problems of homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act was recently reauthorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act in December 2015.

The ECYEH program's core responsibilities include:

• Educating schools: Informing school districts and charter schools about their obligations under the McKinney-Vento Act to support homeless students.

• Raising awareness: Identifying and increasing understanding of the unique challenges faced by children and youth experiencing homelessness.

• Overcoming barriers: Helping to identify and dismantle educational hurdles that homeless students often encounter.

• Clarifying policies: Explaining current legislation and policies related to the education of homeless youth.

• Professional development: Offering training, professional development, and practical advice for educators working with students experiencing homelessness.

• Ensuring compliance: Providing support for monitoring, data collection, evaluation, and reporting to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.