Helping children experiencing homelessness, providing a reliable and supportive network The Chester County Intermediate Unit is dedicated to helping children experiencing homelessness with getting on the path to success. By improving access to education, informing the community about homelessness, and providing support to students and families, our team is committed to enduring all student have the opportunity to succeed in school.
How the ECYEH program can help
- HELP with school enrollment and placement
- PROVIDE community referrals
- COORDINATE transportation and support services
- IMPLEMENT tutoring and enrichment services
- ASSIST with obtaining supplies necessary for school
- SUPPLY training and outreach to school districts, families, and communities
Your Rights
Children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to:
- Continue their education in their current school, and receive transportation OR enroll immediately in the school where they are temporarily housed, even if lacking the paperwork normally required
- Participate in all applicable school programs, including supplemental services
- Receive free lunch
- Receive assistance with school-related expenses such as supplies, clothing, uniforms, etc.
McKinney-Vento Act
The McKinney-Vento Act of 1987 establishes rights and services for children experiencing homelessness and provides government funding to operate these programs. Children and youth are eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Act if they have been displaced from their homes and are living in a place that is not fixed, regular or adequate. Examples include:
- Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship or similar reason
- In a place not designated as regular sleeping accommodation, such as a vehicle, park, hotel or campground
- In a homeless or domestic violence shelter or transitional housing placement
- Outside of his/her home as an unaccompanied youth
- Awaiting foster care
- In any of the situations listed above as the child of a migrant family
PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program: Region 2
The ECYEH program in Region 2 is administered by the Berks County Intermediate Unit and serves Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties.
Trainings Available at CCIU
The Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness program (ECYEH) is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education and is based on the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. This federal legislation ensures that homeless children and youth have access to a free, appropriate, public education.
Explore the list of training topics below. For more information, contact Tamara Acuna, CCIU Homeless Liaison at tamaraa@cciu.org | 484-319-8358
More Information & Resources
Forms and Documents