Homeless Students

Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence. Unaccompanied Youth is defined as a homeless child or youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.

This act is funded by the federal government and comes to the school district as part of the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Title Funds allocation. Each year the school district is required to set aside funds to support students covered by McKinney-Vento Act provisions.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act guarantees a free and appropriate public education for all homeless children and youth. B.E.C 42 U.S.C. 11431 outlines procedures for deciding school placement, enrolling students, and determining responsibility.

If you believe a student may be eligible or know someone who could be eligible, contact Dr. Oscar Torres, Director of Equity and Public Programs and TESD McKinney-Vento Liaison at 610-240-1909 or torreso@tesd.net to find out what services and supports may be available.

Resources

Resources for Students & Families Experiencing Homelessness
Information for School-Age Youth

Resources for Students & Families Experiencing Homelessness

ECYEH Parent Informational Poster_English

Póster informativo para padres de ECYEH_Español

Information for School-Age Youth_English

Información para jóvenes en edad escolar_Español

211: Displaced Families

Determining McKinney-Vento Eligibility

National Center for Homeless Education

Chester County Partnership to End Homelessness

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Resources

Chester County Food Banks

Childrens Dental Clinic

T&E Cares

FLITE (Foundation for Learning in Tredyffrin/Easttown)

Information for School-Age Youth

If you live in any of the following situations (or similar situations), a student may qualify for certain educational rights and protections under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.:

Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
Living in motels or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
Living in emergency or transitional shelters
Sleeping locations not usually used as a sleeping accommodation
Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations

Your Rights:
Under federal law, homeless children and youth are entitled to immediate enrollment in school and educational stability.

If a student is determined to be an eligible student, the student may have the right to:

Receive a free, appropriate public education
Transportation to and from school free of charge, allowing children to attend their school of origin (last school enrolled or the school they attended when they first became homeless) regardless of what district the family resides in.
Enroll in school immediately, even if lacking documents normally required for enrollment Enroll in school and attend classes while the school gathers needed documents
Enroll in the local school or continue attending their school of origin (the school attended when permanently housed or the school in which they were last enrolled) if that is their preference and is feasible; if the school district believes that the school selected is not in their best interest, the district must provide them with a written explanation of its position and inform them of their right to appeal its decision
Participate in all applicable school programs, including supplemental services
Receive educational services comparable to those provided to other students, according to the needs as a student
Receive free lunch

ECYEH General Guide

Additional information can also be found in Board Policy 5455 - Homeless Students and Regulation 5455 - Homeless Students.

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