The McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law in the United States that addressed the rights and protections of individuals and youth experiencing homelessness in the public education system. Under this program, schools must ensure each student experiencing homelessness has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education as other children and youth. The McKinney Vento Act plays a crucial role to ensure educational stability and reduce barriers for students experiencing homelessness. 

The McKinney Vento Act can help provide school stability for your child if you do not have a permanent home and are: 

Staying with friends or family because you lost housing. 

Living in a shelter, including transitional programs. 

Staying in motels because you cannot get your own home. 

Living on the streets, in a car, van, tent or other nonpermanent structure.

Homeless Resources - Finding Your Way in PA – find a place to stay, a meal, clothes and other essentials with the Pennsylvania based mobile and desktop app.

Reference Guide for Housing – Quick reference of housing assistance resources by the Department of Human Services.

Food Bank Resources – Map and list of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania member food pantries offering services.

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - Pennsylvania's program to provide health coverage to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medicaid/Medical Assistance.

Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) – Summary of Student Rights and additional resources for students and families.

Basic Education Circulars (BECs) | Department of Education | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - provides the Department of Education's guidance on the implementation of law, regulation and policy.

Leyna Steffen

leyna.steffen@chartiers-houstonsd.com

724-746-1400 ext. 217