• Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program

    The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program (PA ECYEH Program), assures execution of the federal legislation, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1987. Implementation of this program ensures that homeless children and youth have equal access to the same, free, appropriate, public education; including preschool education, as provided to other children and youth.

    Rights of Homeless Children & Youth Include:

    • Continuing their education in their current school, and provide transportation to that school, (if feasible);
    • Immediate enrollment in the school district where they are temporarily housed;
    • Assistance with obtaining school records *Note: lack of school records may not affect the right to immediate enrollment;
    • Participation in all applicable school programs, including supplementary instructional programs, field trips, and other enrichment activities as well as after-school recreational programs, etc.;
    • Assistance with school-related expenses, such as: supplies, clothing, uniforms, meals, etc.

    Each school district in the United States has a designated Homeless Liaison.  This person is responsible for assuring that each homeless child or youth receives all the services guaranteed by federal law.  Mr. Lucas Jacobs, Director of Education, is the Forest Hills School District Homeless Liaison.  Please Contact Mr. Jacobs at (814) 487-7613 EXT: 3249 or ljacobs@fhrangers.org if you have additional questions or need assistance. 

    In addition, Pennsylvania is served by eight regional PA ECYEH Programs that cover all counties and school districts in the state.  The contact information for each region can be found on the web at: https://homeless.center-school.org/

    Region 6 Contact Information

    ARIN IU 28
    2895 W Pike
    Indiana, PA  15701
    Phone:  724-463-5300
    FAX:  724-463-5315

    Sarah Schroth
    Regional Coordinator
    Phone: 724-463-5300 x1203
    E-Mail: sschroth@iu28.org

    Contact may also be made to:                   
    Pennsylvania Department of Education      
    Division of Student & Safe School Services 
    Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program 
    333 Market Street                                        
    5th Floor                                                        
    Harrisburg, PA  17126                              
    Phone:  717-683-6468

    Finding Your Way In PA