Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (PA ECYEH Program), assures execution of the federal legislation, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. Implementation of this program ensures that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same, free, appropriate, public education; including preschool education, as provided to other children and youth.

Rights of Homeless Children & Youth Include:

Continuing their education in their current school, and provide transportation to that school, (if feasible);
Immediate enrollment in the school district where they are temporarily housed;
Assistance with obtaining school records *Note: lack of school records may not affect the right to immediate enrollment;
Participation in all applicable school programs, including supplementary instructional programs, field trips, and other enrichment activities as well as after-school recreational programs, etc.;
Assistance with school-related expenses, such as: supplies, clothing, uniforms, meals, etc.

Each school district in the United States has a designated Homeless Liaison. This person is responsible for assuring that each homeless child or youth receives all the services guaranteed by federal law.

Please Contact Mrs Kelly Ford, School Social Worker at (814) 266-6081 EXT: 3011 or [email protected] if you have additional questions or need assistance.

In addition, Pennsylvania is served by eight regional PA ECYEH Programs that cover all counties and school districts in the state. The contact information for each region can be found on the web at: https://homeless.center-school.org/

Region 6 Contact Information

Sarah Schroth

Regional Coordinator

Phone: 724-463-5300 x1203

E-Mail:[email protected]

Contact may also be made to:

Pennsylvania Department of Education

Division of Student & Safe School Services

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

333 Market Street

5th Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17126