Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

Education of Homeless Children and Youth (Policy 251)

The McKinney-Vento Act defines children and youth who are homeless (twenty-one years of age and             younger) as:

·         Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and includes but not limited to children and youth who are: sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason sometimes referred to as double-up.

·         Living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; living in emergency or transitional shelters; abandoned in hospitals; or awaiting foster care placement.

·         Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated for, or ordinarily used as, regular sleeping accommodation for human beings.

·         Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings.

·         Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above.

Homeless Student Rights - Students experiencing homelessness are protected under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which guarantees their right to a free, appropriate public education. Their key rights include:

 

1.      Immediate Enrollment - They have the right to enroll in school immediately, even without documents like proof of residency, immunizations, or school records.

2.      School Stability - They can stay in their school of origin (the school they attended before becoming homeless) if it’s in their best interest, even if their housing situation changes.

3.      Transportation - Schools must provide or arrange reasonable transportation to and from the school of origin upon request when determined in the student’s best interest.

4.      Access to Services - Homeless students must receive the same educational services as housed students, including Title I services, special education, gifted and talented programs, and extracurricular activities.

 

Dispute Resolution Process - If a dispute involving a student experiencing educational instability arises, the concern shall be addressed and/or resolved at the lowest appropriate level in accordance with Board Policy, unless otherwise stated below.

 

If the district determines that it is not in the student’s best interest to attend the school of origin or the school requested by the unaccompanied youth or parent/guardian, the district shall provide the unaccompanied youth or parent/guardian with a written explanation of the reasons for its determination. The explanation shall be in a manner and form understandable to the unaccompanied youth or parent/guardian and shall include information regarding the right to appeal.

 

If a dispute arises over eligibility, enrollment, or school selection:

1.      The parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth shall be referred to the district's point of contact, who shall assist in the dispute resolution process.

2.      The student shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals.

3.      The district's point of contact shall issue a written decision of the dispute within twenty (20) business days of being notified of the dispute.

 

A parent/guardian or unaccompanied youth may appeal a district's written decision or file a complaint with the Coordinator of Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

 

Unaccompanied Youth - Under the McKinney-Vento Act, an unaccompanied youth is defined as a child or youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. This includes youth who have run away from home; been abandoned or forced out of home by a parent, guardian or other caretaker; or separated from a parent or guardian for any other reason.

 

Unaccompanied Youth Rights - Unaccompanied youth have the right to enroll in school immediately, even without a parent, guardian, or required documents. They can remain in their school of origin if it’s in their best interest and receive transportation to and from that school. They are entitled to equal access to education, including meals, academic support, and extracurricular activities. A designated Homeless Liaison must support them through the enrollment process and connect them to needed services. These rights ensure unaccompanied youth can continue their education without disruption.

 

Homeless Liaison Role - The Homeless Liaison ensures that students experiencing homelessness are identified, enrolled without barriers, and have access to necessary educational services and support. They advocate for these students, inform families of their rights, and help resolve disputes related to school enrollment or placement. The liaison collaborates with community agencies, coordinates transportation and services, and provides training to school staff on the needs of homeless students. Additionally, they maintain accurate records and report data as required. Their role is essential in ensuring equal educational opportunities under the McKinney-Vento Act.

 

If you are personally aware of or are acquainted with any children who may qualify according to the above criteria, immediately notify your building administrator and/or school counselor. The district provides the following assurances to parents of homeless children:

·         There shall be immediate enrollment and school participation, even if educational and medical records and proof of residency are not available.

·         All educational opportunities and related opportunities for homeless students (preschool to age 21), including unaccompanied youth, shall be the same as for the general student population.

·         Enrollment and transportation rights, including transportation to the school of origin. “School of origin” is defined as the school the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled. Written explanation of a child or youth’s school placement, other than school of origin or the school requested by the parent, with the right to appeal within the local dispute resolution process.

·         Meaningful opportunities for parents to participate in the education of their children. These shall include special notices of events, parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and access to student records.

More information on homelessness is found in the Basic Education Circular (BEC) at https://ecyeh.center-school.org/resources/basic-education-circulars/.

 

 

 

District Homeless Liaison

Dr. Joseph Kondisko, Director of Student Services

Phone: 610-599-7506             Email: kondisjo@bangorsd.org

 

Regional ECYEH Coordinator

Michelle OConnor

Bucks County Intermediate Unit

705 N. Shady Retreat Road

Doylestown, PA 18901

Phone: 215-348-2940   Extension 1361         Email: MConnor@Bucksiu.org