Ephrata Area School District supports the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness youth as required by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act which defines children and youth experiencing homelessness to mean individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and those who are awaiting foster care placement.

Who is considered homeless?
Children or youth and their families living in a shelter, transitional housing, motel, vehicle, campground, on the street, or doubled up with relatives or friends due to a lack of housing are considered to be homeless.

Does residency have to be proven?
No, because families experiencing homelessness are unable to establish a “home” on a permanent basis, a school cannot require proof of residency that might prevent or delay the enrollment of school-age children.

What choice of schools do homeless students have?
In determining the best interest of the child or youth under McKinney-Vento Act, the LEA shall:

• Continue the child’s or youth’s education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness when a family becomes homeless between academic years or during an academic year; and for the remainder of the academic year even if the child or youth becomes permanently housed during an academic year, or

• Enroll the child or youth in any public school that non-homeless students who live in the attendance area in which the child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend.

Is there any reason to delay enrolling a homeless child?
No. The school selected shall immediately enroll the child/youth in school, even if the child or youth lacks records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic records, medical records, proof of residency, or other documentation. The terms “enroll” and “enrollment” are defined to include attending classes and participating fully in school activities. The enrolling school must immediately contact the last school attended to obtain relevant academic and other records. Immunization records can be transferred over the phone from the school nurse of the sending school to the school nurse of the receiving school.

Who to contact for assistance?
The Homeless Children’s Initiative exists to help children and youth homelessness with a wide variety of services. We can assist during this time of change and stress. If you are homeless with school-age children or you are a school, agency, or shelter employee, please contact one of the following resources listed below.