Mount Union Area School District
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
One of the main goals of the Mount Union Area School District’s Homelessness Program is to help each homeless student have a school life that is as regular as possible during the period of homelessness.
On July 22, 1987 the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act became public law. This was the first comprehensive federal law dealing with the problems of homelessness in America. Included in the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, the law is now referred to as the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act of 2001.
As a first step in 1988, the Pennsylvania Department of Education established the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program. This program has been responsible for assessing Pennsylvania’s homeless children population, developing the appropriate responses and establishing McKinney-Vento Homeless sites.
Some of the main objectives of the Mount Union Area School District are to increase awareness about the needs of homeless children, reveal and overcome possible educational barriers, explain current legislation and policies, and provide assistance and support to families.
The District Homeless Liaison can support and help students in homeless situations in many ways. Mount Union’s Homeless Liaison is Mrs. Dianne Thomas, Director of Special Education/Student Services.
The Liaison may assist families with the following:
- Make sure students are enrolled in school immediately, even if they do not have the papers they would normally need.
- Help families and youth get immunizations, immunization records or other medical records, if a student needs them.
- Tell parents and youth about all transportation services and help set up transportation.
- Make sure students get all the school services they need.
- Tell parents and guardians about all the programs and services the school has for their children.
If you are living in any of the following situations:
- A Shelter
- A Motel
- A vehicle
- Living with others because you can't afford or find housing
- In inadequate conditions (lack of heat, water etc)
We may be able to help you:
- Enroll in school
- Remain in your school if you move to another area
- With transportation to and from school
- Receive free or reduced cost school meals
- Social referrals
- Other services
Links
Pennsylvania Department of Education
http://www.education.pa.gov/K-12/Homeless%20Education/Pages/default.aspx#tab-1
The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY)
Contact:
Mrs. Dianne Thomas, Director of Special Education/Student Services
706 N Shaver Street
Mount Union, PA 17066
814-542-2518 Ext. 162
Mrs. Dia Narehood, Special Education/Student Services Secretary
706 N Shaver Street
Mount Union, PA 17066
814-542-2518 Ext. 160