McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures children and youth experiencing homelessness have the right to a free, appropriate public education. The law removes barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success for students who do not have a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

Students may qualify under McKinney-Vento if they are:

  • Living in a shelter, motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of alternative housing

  • Sharing housing with other people due to loss of housing or economic hardship

  • Living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, or substandard housing

  • Living in transitional housing

  • Unaccompanied youth (not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian)

Under this law, eligible students have the right to:

  • Immediate enrollment in school, even if required documents (such as proof of residency, immunization records, or school records) are unavailable

  • Remain in their school of origin (the school they attended when permanently housed or last enrolled), if it is in the student’s best interest

  • Receive transportation to and from the school of origin

  • Access free school meals and other support services

  • Participate fully in school activities and programs

Our district is committed to identifying and supporting students who may qualify under the McKinney-Vento Act. Families who believe they may be eligible are encouraged to contact the district’s McKinney-Vento Liaison for assistance and confidential support.

If you or someone you know, meet any of the above criteria, contact the Sullivan County Superintendent, Samantha Kahler, who serves as the District's Homeless Liaison by telephone at (570)946-8200 or by email at homeless.liaison@sulcosd.k12.pa.us

Homeless Resources

A General Guide to Pennsylvania's Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Education's handbook ECYEH General Guide is available to you for any basic questions you may have.  You have rights.  Please review and make sure you are receiving all that you are entitled to be receiving educationally.  

Questions, please contact:

District Representative: Samantha Kahler at (570) 946-8200

Regional Liaison:  Jeff Zimmerman at (570) 718-4613