The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act was established in 1987 and amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015. The Act defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence.
The federal mandate ensures that homeless children and youth have access to the same free and appropriate public education as other children. Children who are homeless may qualify for assistance with school lunch, school supplies, tutoring and transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin.
Ambridge Area School District Board Policy: Homeless Students
PA Department of Education: Education for Homeless Youth
If you believe that your child may qualify for this service, please contact:
Jo Ann Hoover, AASD Homeless Liaison
724 266 2833 x4213
jhoover@ambridge.k12.pa.us
Students experiencing homelessness, and youth who have been adjudicated or are involved in the juvenile justice system often attend multiple schools in a year. These students who experience such “education instability” face barriers to high school graduation due to lost or unrecognized credits or a student’s inability to take a course required by their last school.
In January, the General Assembly enacted Act 1 of 2022 (Act 1) (24 P.S. § 13-1331.1) to remove educational and graduation barriers for students who move between school entities due to homelessness, adjudication, foster care, and juvenile justice or court-ordered placements. Act 1 requires school entities assign a point of contact, adopt clear policies and practices to apply credit for satisfactorily completed coursework, and develop a graduation plan for students experiencing education instability. Act 1 also includes protections to facilitate equal access to school, including participation in extracurricular opportunities.
Click to read Act 1 of 2022 – Assisting Students Experiencing Education Instability
ECYEH General Guide – A general guide to Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program
What You Need to Know to Help Your Child in School: A Guide for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers – If your family is in a temporary or inadequate living situation due to a loss of housing, your child might be eligible for certain educational rights and services.
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