McKinney-Vento / Helping Hands
KASD's Student & Family Support Program
KASD works to serve K-12 students who are experiencing homelessness and other life challenges. Assistance is provided through programs, personnel, and strategies that integrate various services that span the spectrum of human services. KASD’s efforts are designed to reduce isolation, maximize stability and maintain consistency for children and youth who are affected by homelessness and other difficult life conditions.
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law that guarantees all children and youth the right to an equal education regardless of their living situation. Protection under the McKinney-Vento Act extends to those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Kutztown Area School District provides the following Annual Notice to parents and guardians of Kutztown Area School District students in accordance with the regulations set forth by the McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Students).
What situations fit this definition?
- Staying in the home of other people due to unavailable housing, financial hardship, or similar circumstances.
- Living in motels, hotels, bus / train stations, cars, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, public places, or campgrounds due to unavailable suitable housing options.
- Refugee and migrant youth living in the above circumstances.
- Living in an emergency shelter or transitional housing.
- Unaccompanied (not living in direct care of legal parent or guardian) or runaway youth.
How does McKinney-Vento help these students?
The McKinney-Vento Act works to ensure these students receive a free and appropriate public education by removing barriers to school enrollment and providing full, basic, and daily participation in school activities. Associated services and rights include:
- Immediate enrollment
- Free School Lunch
- Help from school with any necessary enrollment documents
- Help from school setting up transportation service
- Help from school with getting basic uniform clothing
- Help from school with basic school supplies
- Help from school with any basic clothing needs
- School stability, by remaining at their "school of origin."
What is the definition of a “homeless youth” under McKinney-Vento?
“Homeless” is defined as “anyone lacking a fixed, adequate, regular nighttime residence.”
Student & Family Support Liaison
Contact our Student & Family Support Liaison to determine if your child is McKinney-Vento eligible and/or to request support services.
Helping Hands Coordinators
Each school building in the Kutztown Area School District has a McKinney-Vento / Helping Hands Coordinator. Learn more about our program here and scroll through this page to find our list of resources and support services.
Community / County Resources & Supports
Homeless Shelters (and other resources):
Rental/Utility Assistance (and other Resources):
Food Pantries (ande other Resources):
and Third Friday, 10:30 – 11:30 am
First Thursday, 3:30-4:30 pm
Huff’s Union Church, 540 Conrad Road, Alburtis
No appointment necessary
Helping Harvest
Clothing
Medical Health
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs
Mental Health Assistance
Transportation
Employment
National Resources & Supports
· National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth – Through advocacy, partnerships, and education, NAEHCY serves as a voice and social conscience for the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
· National Center for Homeless Education – NCHE is the U.S. Department of Education’s technical assistance and information center in the area of homeless education.
· National Network for Youth – NN4Y works to create a community of agencies, people and resources to champion the needs of homeless and runaway youth, to ensure that opportunities for growth and development be available to youth everywhere.
Informational Resources & Documents
For more information about the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the educational rights of children and youth in homeless situations, the Kutztown Area School District policies / procedures, and other key resources, please refer to the following documents:
McKinney-Vento Act - Pennsylvania Department of Education
Unaccompanied Youth – Law Into Practice
Berks County Intermediate Unit ECYEH Region 2
KASD School Board Policy 251 - Homelessness