Sharon City School District

McKinney-Vento Facts and Help

Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program was established to make sure homeless youth have access to free and appropriate public education while removing barriers that homeless children face.  It is a goal to have the educational process continue as uninterrupted as possible while children are in homeless situations.

Section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Act(10) defines “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  The term includes:

*sharing the housing of other persons due to the loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason, also referred to as “doubled up”.

*living in motels, hotels, or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations.

*living in emergency or transitional shelters.

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

• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in the same circumstances as described above.

• Unaccompanied homeless youth including any child who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.  This includes youth who have run away from home, been thrown out of their home, been abandoned by parents or guardians, or separated from their parents for any other reason.

While this situation can be very overwhelming for a family, it is important to know that Sharon City Schools are here to help, and have many services available to assist our families who are enduring homelessness. 

If you or someone that you know are experiencing homelessness, please contact Justi Glaros for the elementary students at 724-983-4000  or Mike Tomko for our middle/high school students at 724-983-4030. 

RESOURCES:

Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Circular: Education for Homeless Youth

ECYEH General Guide Click Here

ECYEH Guide for School Staff Click Here