McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act
About McKinney-Vento
The McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all children and youth experiencing homelessness. B.E.C. 42 U.S.C. 11431 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining responsibility. Federal and state laws make our responsibility clear. With the huge number of children experiencing homelessness currently attending Philadelphia public schools, we must provide proper educational support and services.
McKinney-Vento Act Basics At-a-Glance:
What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?
“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”
What situations fit this definition?
Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, or similar circumstances
Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks (in some instances – examples: leaking roof, no heat, etc.), public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options
Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing
Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth
Refugee and migrant youth
How does McKinney-Vento help these students?
The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes:
Immediate enrollment
Free and Reduced School Lunch
Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents
Help from school setting up transportation service (if the student qualifies)
Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing
Help from school with basic school supplies
Help from school with any basic clothing needs
Help from school with basic high school graduation needs and expenses
Where can I find more information for Pennsylvania?
You can visit the PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness site.
Even if you lack a permanent residence, students can receive help to stay in their home school district. Please contact Ms. Cramphorn at 267-514-1823 x222 or cramphornl@petchs.org with any questions or with an assistance request.
The McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act can help provide school stability for your child if you do not have a permanent home and are:
Staying with friends or family because you lost housing.
Living in a shelter, including transitional programs.
Staying in motels because you cannot get your own home.
Living on the streets, in a car, van, tent or other nonpermanent structure.
A General Guide to Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program - http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Homeless%20Education/ECYEH%20General%20Guide.pdf
FAQ - http://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/K-12/Homeless%20Education/126%20Most%20FAQ.pdf
McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act & National Center for Homeless Education: https://nche.ed.gov/legis/mv.php
PA DOE ECYEH: https://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Homeless%20Education/Pages/default.aspx
Philadelphia School District – ECYEH: https://www.philasd.org/homeless/