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Homeless Children and Youth

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Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)

We are committed to our obligation to ensure that students experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate educational programs provided for all of our students. We will make reasonable efforts to promptly identify local homeless children, encourage their enrollment, and eliminate any barriers to their attendance and education, in compliance with Federal and State law and regulations.

The AGCS Board of Trustees may waive policies, procedures, and administrative regulations that create obstacles to enrollment, attendance, transportation, and success in school for our homeless students, based on the recommendation of our Head of Schools. The Board prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of homelessness, in accordance with applicable law.

AGCS Homeless Liaison: Jennifer Weaver jweaver@agcharter.org, 484-667-5000 x348

Regional Homeless Coordinator: Kristenh Hoffa krihof@berksiu.org  610-987-8509

Homeless Students

Families experiencing homelessness

Children and youth are eligible for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act if they have been displaced from their homes and are living in a nighttime residence that is not fixed, regular or adequate, such as:

  • Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reasons
  • Having a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designated as regular sleeping accommodation, such as a:
    • vehicle
    • park
    • campground
    • public space
    • abondoned building
    • substandard housing
    • transportation stations
    • similar settings
  • Living in emergency, transitional, or domestic violence shelters 
  • Living outside of his/her home as an unaccompanied youth
  • Living or abandoned in a hospital
  • In any of the situations listed above, as the child of a migrant family

Homeless Student Rights

As required by law, AGCS will make school placement determinations on the basis of the best interest of the student, based on student-centered factors. Children and Youth in Transition have the right to:

  • Stay in their school of origin; which is the school attended when last permanently housed or the school in which the student was last enrolled.
  • Enroll in any school which non-homeless students living in the attendance area are eligible to attend.
  • Enroll in a new school without immunization, proof of residential status, school records, proof of guardianship or other documents.
  • Receive services (including transportation, preschool, meals, special education) comparable to those provided to other students.
  • Have their enrollment disputes expeditiously addressed by the homeless district liaison and have the right to attend their school during the dispute resolution process.

If you believe you are eligible, please contact Ms. Jen Weaver, our Homeless Student Liaison, at jweaver@agcharter.org to find out what services and supports may be available.

Rights of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth 

The McKinney-Vento Act defines unaccompanied youth as, "a homeless child or youth who is not in physical custody of a parent or guardian."

In addition to the rights that every McKinney-Vento eligible student is afforded, unaccompanied homeless youth (UHY) are eligible for the following protections:

  • The right to be enrolled in school as an independent student. 

This allows the UHY to enroll in school without a parent/guardian present. They may come to enroll in school alone, with a temporary caregiver present, or enroll with the help of a liaison. This also allows them to participate in the full school program without a parent/guardian. This includes anything that would typically require a parent/guardian signature (e.g. permission slips, report cards, etc.) 

  • The right to receive full/partial credit for all satisfactorily completed work from prior school districts or participate in credit recovery programs as needed to ensure they stay on track for the next grade level and graduation.

UHY may also be eligible for Act 1 protections if they have experienced a school placement change as a result of their homelessness or other eligible life event. 

  • The right to be informed of their independent status and receive verification for the completion of a FAFSA application. 

This allows eligible UHY to complete the FAFSA application without their parent/guardian's financial information. See the section below for more information.

AGCS Board Policy 2051: Students Experiencing Homelessness, Foster Care, and Other Educational Instability

Basic Education Cirular on Education fo Homeless Youth - PA Department of Education

Wolfpack Pantry

Wolfpack Pantry with Timber mascot and groceries

Could you use a little help with food, school supplies, or personal care items? The Wolfpack Pantry is here to help! All you need to do is complete the Wolfpack Pantry Request Form. After you complete the form, we will be in contact with you to arrange the details of getting the pantry items to you.

ECYEH Definitions and Infomation