Education for Homeless Youth (McKinney-Vento)

Background

McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act and the Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (Pennsylvania ECYEH) Program was established to make sure homeless youth have access to a free and appropriate public education while removing barriers that homeless children face.

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, eviction 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.

Please contact the GLSD Homeless Liaison, Jon Mains, to find out what services and supports may be available. His contact information is available at the top of the page.

For more information, see the resources below:

• Pennsylvania Department of Education Homeless Education
• The U.S. Department of Education Fact Sheet (PDF)