Students Experiencing Homelessness
The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act became law on July 22, 1987. This was the first comprehensive federal statute addressing homelessness issues in the United States. The 2001 McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act was subsequently added to the No Child Left Behind Act and is now known as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) authorizes the Education for Homeless Children and Youths (EHCY) program, which is designed to meet the needs of homeless children and youths and safeguard their educational rights and protections. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) revised the McKinney-Vento Act, and on October 1, 2016, the ESSA's amendments took effect.
The Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program was established in 1988 by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The primary objective of this legislation is to guarantee that homeless children and youth have equal access to a free and appropriate public education throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Related Policies and Resources
Policy 251 - Homeless Students