School Continuity Support - Chester County Intermediate Unit 24

Supporting students and families through housing transitionsThe Chester County Intermediate Unit is dedicated to helping children without stable housing get on the path to success. By improving access to education, informing the community, and providing support to students and families, our team is committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed in school.

Finding a Pathway to Success

How the School Continuity Program Can Help:

Who is Eligible?

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

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.

PA Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program: Region 2

request for support

At this difficult time, your services were like a breath of fresh air for me and my children. To be able to have basic needs met, like shoes, is a huge relief.

School District 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 displaced 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