January 6th - School reopens from winter break
In 1987, Congress passed the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, (subsequently renamed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act) to aid homeless persons. The Act defines the term “homeless children and youths” as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. On December 10, 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was enacted, amending McKinney-Vento.
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, 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
- Owning or renting a home with inadequacies (lack of heat, not to code, problems with infestations,
etc.)
How does McKinney-Vento help these students?
The law makes sure that these students receive a free and suitable public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and full, basic, daily participation in school activities. This includes:
- Immediate enrollment
- Free and Reduced School Lunch
- Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents
- Help from school setting up transportation service (if the student qualifies)
- Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing
- Help from school with basic school supplies
- Help from school with any basic clothing needs
- Help from school with basic school graduation needs and expenses
The McKinney-Vento liaison at Wissahickon Charter School is Aitiya Hobson, who is based at our Fernhill Campus. As the McKinney-Vento Liaison, she is responsible for ensuring that our school is supporting the scholars and families protected by the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Act. If your student is at our Fernhill Campus and you think your family might fit any of the above situations, please contact Ms. Hobson, School Counselor, to set up a confidential conversation at a.hobson@wissahickoncharter.org or (267) 338-1020. If your student is at our Awbury Campus, please contact Ally Rasp, School Counselor, at a.rasp@wissahickoncharter.org or 267-774-4370.
Please note Wissahickon Charter works with the following community partners to provide additional support for students experiencing homelessness: Face to Face, Vetri Community Partnership, Cradles to Crayons, and Children’s Crisis Treatment Center
Wissahickon Charter School Board Policy 251
Click here for a link to the Basic Education Circular on the PDE website
PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Website
Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness – Dispute Process
Pennsylvania’s Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness – Dispute Letter
Hiya! I'm Franklin!