Effective Date: September 2026
Review Date: Annually
Responsible Administrator: Principal / McKinney-Vento Liaison
Applicable Law: McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431–11435; Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA); applicable Pennsylvania law and regulations; Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Circular, Education for Homeless Youth
I. PURPOSE
Fell Charter School is committed to ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education provided to other children and youth.
Fell Charter School recognizes that homelessness can create significant barriers to enrollment, attendance, school stability, academic achievement, and participation in school activities. The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures to identify students experiencing homelessness, remove barriers to their education, ensure immediate enrollment and appropriate school placement, provide access to required services and supports, and protect the privacy of students and families.
Fell Charter School shall implement the requirements of the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and applicable Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements in a manner that promotes educational stability and minimizes disruption to a student’s education.
II. DEFINITIONS
A. Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
For purposes of this policy, “children and youth experiencing homelessness” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
This includes children and youth who:
- Are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
- Are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations;
- Are living in emergency or transitional shelters;
- Are abandoned in hospitals;
- Are living in public or private places not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations;
- Are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or similar settings;
- Are migratory children living in circumstances that meet the federal definition of homelessness; or
- Are unaccompanied youth who meet the definition of homelessness.
Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis based upon the student’s living circumstances and the applicable requirements of the McKinney-Vento Act and Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance.
B. Unaccompanied Youth
“Unaccompanied youth” means a youth who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian and who meets the definition of homelessness under the McKinney-Vento Act.
An unaccompanied youth is entitled to the protections of this policy regardless of whether the youth is living with another adult.
C. School of Origin
“School of origin” means the school the child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled.
For purposes of school stability, the school of origin may include a preschool and, where applicable, the receiving school designated for the next grade level.
D. Fixed, Regular, and Adequate Residence
A fixed residence is one that is stationary, permanent, and not subject to change.
A regular residence is one that is used on a predictable, routine, or consistent basis.
An adequate residence is one that is sufficient for meeting the physical and psychological needs ordinarily met in a home environment.
The absence of any one of these characteristics may indicate that a student is experiencing homelessness.
III. NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL ACCESS
Fell Charter School shall not discriminate against a student or family because of homelessness.
Students experiencing homelessness shall have access to education and other services necessary to enable them to participate fully in school and have an opportunity to meet the same challenging academic standards as other students.
Homelessness shall not, by itself, be a reason to separate a student from the mainstream school environment.
Students experiencing homelessness shall have equal access to:
- Academic programs;
- Special education and related services, as applicable;
- English learner services, as applicable;
- Title I services;
- Student assistance and counseling services;
- School meals and nutrition programs;
- Extracurricular activities;
- Athletics;
- Field trips;
- School events;
- Before- and after-school programs, when available and applicable;
- Technology and educational materials; and
- Other services provided to students at Fell Charter School.
IV. MCKINNEY-VENTO HOMELESS EDUCATION LIAISON
Fell Charter School shall designate a local educational agency liaison for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
The current Fell Charter School McKinney-Vento Liaison is:
Jillian Linnehan-Reed, Principal
Fell Charter School
777 Main Street
Simpson, PA 18407
Phone: 570-282-5199
Email: jlinnehanreed@fellcharter.com
The Liaison shall coordinate the implementation of this policy and shall serve as the primary point of contact for students, families, school personnel, community agencies, and regional ECYEH personnel regarding McKinney-Vento matters.
The Liaison’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness are identified by school personnel and through coordination with other entities and agencies;
- Ensuring that children and youth experiencing homelessness are enrolled in and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed at Fell Charter School;
- Ensuring that eligible students receive appropriate assistance to enroll immediately and access educational services;
- Ensuring that students and families are informed of their educational rights and available opportunities;
- Assisting parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth in exercising their rights under the McKinney-Vento Act;
- Providing information regarding transportation and assisting eligible students in accessing transportation services;
- Assisting students in obtaining necessary school records and other documentation;
- Assisting unaccompanied youth with enrollment, educational decisions, transportation, dispute resolution, and access to services;
- Ensuring that students and families have access to the dispute resolution process;
- Coordinating with school personnel, community organizations, social service agencies, shelters, and other service providers, as appropriate;
- Coordinating with the Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) regional coordinator;
- Ensuring that information regarding McKinney-Vento rights and services is available on the school’s website and through appropriate school communications;
- Providing professional development and information to school personnel regarding the identification and educational rights of students experiencing homelessness; and
- Performing other responsibilities required by federal law, Pennsylvania law, or Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance.
V. IDENTIFICATION OF STUDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Fell Charter School shall establish and maintain procedures to identify students who may be experiencing homelessness.
Identification may occur through:
- Enrollment and registration procedures;
- Student or parent/guardian self-identification;
- Information provided by teachers, counselors, administrators, nurses, or other school personnel;
- Outreach to students and families;
- Referrals from community agencies, shelters, social service agencies, or other organizations;
- Communication with other schools or school districts;
- Information provided by the student in the case of an unaccompanied youth; or
- Other appropriate means.
School personnel shall be alert to changes in housing circumstances that may affect a student’s eligibility for McKinney-Vento protections.
When a potential McKinney-Vento situation is identified, school personnel shall refer the matter to the McKinney-Vento Liaison for review.
Eligibility shall be determined on a case-by-case basis. Families and students shall not be required to prove that they are homeless through documentation when such documentation is not available or is not required by law.
VI. IMMEDIATE ENROLLMENT
A student experiencing homelessness shall be enrolled immediately, even if the student is unable to provide records normally required for enrollment.
Such records may include, but are not limited to:
- Proof of residency;
- Previous academic records;
- Immunization records;
- Medical records;
- Birth certificates;
- Guardianship documentation; or
- Other enrollment documentation.
Fell Charter School shall immediately begin providing educational services while necessary records are obtained.
The lack of a permanent address shall not prevent a student experiencing homelessness from enrolling.
School enrollment deadlines shall be waived for students experiencing homelessness to the extent required by law.
Fell Charter School shall comply with applicable Pennsylvania requirements concerning immunization documentation. When permitted by law, appropriate school or health officials may assist in obtaining or verifying immunization records after enrollment.
VII. SCHOOL SELECTION AND SCHOOL OF ORIGIN
A student experiencing homelessness shall have the right to attend:
- The school of origin, when permitted and appropriate under the McKinney-Vento Act; or
- The school serving the attendance area in which the student is currently living, as applicable.
When determining the student’s educational placement, Fell Charter School shall consider the best interest of the child or youth.
There is a presumption that continuing in the school of origin is in the student’s best interest unless doing so is contrary to the request of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth.
The best-interest determination shall consider student-centered factors, which may include:
- The student’s age;
- The distance and time required for transportation;
- The impact of a change in school on the student’s education;
- The student’s safety;
- The student’s emotional and social needs;
- The student’s academic needs;
- The availability of special education or other specialized services;
- The continuity of instruction;
- The student’s relationships with teachers and peers;
- The impact on siblings;
- The length of time remaining in the school year;
- The anticipated duration of the student’s housing situation; and
- Other relevant circumstances.
The views of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth shall be considered in the determination.
If Fell Charter School is unable to provide the student’s requested school placement, the Liaison shall explain the decision and provide the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth with written notice of the determination and information regarding the dispute resolution process.
VIII. TRANSPORTATION
Fell Charter School shall ensure that eligible students experiencing homelessness are informed of transportation services available to them.
When transportation to the school of origin is requested and required under the McKinney-Vento Act, Fell Charter School shall provide or arrange transportation in accordance with applicable federal and Pennsylvania requirements.
Transportation services shall be comparable to those provided to other students.
When transportation responsibilities involve another local educational agency, Fell Charter School shall coordinate with the appropriate school district or LEA to determine the appropriate transportation arrangement and responsibility for costs.
Transportation arrangements shall be made promptly so that lack of transportation does not create a barrier to enrollment or attendance.
IX. UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH
Fell Charter School shall provide immediate enrollment and educational access to an unaccompanied youth who meets the definition of homelessness.
An unaccompanied youth shall not be required to obtain the signature, consent, or assistance of a parent or guardian in order to enroll when such requirement would prevent or delay enrollment.
The Liaison shall assist an unaccompanied youth with:
- Enrollment;
- School selection;
- School of origin determinations;
- Transportation;
- Obtaining records;
- Access to academic and support services;
- Dispute resolution;
- Referrals to community resources; and
- Other services necessary to ensure educational stability and success.
X. RECORDS AND TRANSFER OF RECORDS
Fell Charter School shall maintain and transfer student records in a manner consistent with applicable federal and Pennsylvania law.
When a student experiencing homelessness transfers to another school or school district, Fell Charter School shall promptly request or transfer appropriate records as required.
The absence of records shall not delay enrollment or the provision of educational services.
The school shall assist students and families in obtaining necessary records when barriers related to homelessness make doing so difficult.
XI. TITLE I AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Students experiencing homelessness shall have access to Title I services and other educational programs and services for which they are eligible.
Fell Charter School shall ensure that homelessness does not prevent a student from receiving appropriate academic assistance or participating in programs and activities.
The school may use appropriate federal, state, local, and other available resources to remove educational barriers associated with homelessness.
XII. SCHOOL MEALS AND BASIC NEEDS
Fell Charter School shall ensure that students experiencing homelessness have access to school meal programs in accordance with applicable federal and Pennsylvania requirements.
The school shall assist families in accessing available community resources for food, clothing, shelter, transportation, health care, child care, and other basic needs when appropriate.
The Liaison may coordinate with community organizations and service agencies to assist families in addressing barriers that interfere with a student’s education.
XIII. EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES
Fell Charter School shall coordinate, when appropriate, with local early childhood programs and community agencies to facilitate access to services for children experiencing homelessness who are not yet school-aged.
The Liaison may assist families in connecting with:
- Head Start and Early Head Start;
- Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts;
- Early Learning Resource Centers;
- Early Intervention;
- Child care assistance;
- Local preschool programs; and
- Other appropriate early childhood services.
The school shall provide information about available early childhood resources to families when appropriate.
XIV. PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Fell Charter School recognizes that information concerning a student’s housing situation is sensitive and shall be handled with appropriate care.
Information about a homeless child’s or youth’s living situation shall be maintained and disclosed in accordance with the McKinney-Vento Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other applicable privacy laws.
Information about a student’s living situation shall not be treated as directory information.
Access to information concerning a student’s housing situation shall be limited to individuals who have a legitimate educational need to know or who are otherwise legally permitted to receive the information.
School personnel shall avoid unnecessary disclosure of a student’s housing status to other students, families, or staff members.
Records and communications concerning McKinney-Vento eligibility shall be maintained in a manner that protects student and family privacy.
XV. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Fell Charter School shall follow the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s McKinney-Vento dispute resolution procedures.
Disputes may concern:
- Eligibility;
- School selection;
- Enrollment;
- School of origin;
- Transportation; or
- Alleged failure to comply with McKinney-Vento requirements.
If a dispute arises concerning eligibility, school selection, or enrollment, the student shall be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought and shall remain enrolled while the dispute is resolved, consistent with applicable law.
Level I – Local Educational Agency Review
A parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth may raise a dispute with the Fell Charter School McKinney-Vento Liaison.
The Liaison shall:
- Explain the dispute resolution process;
- Provide the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of the school’s decision;
- Provide information concerning the basis for the decision;
- Provide information regarding the right to appeal; and
- Ensure that the student remains enrolled as required while the dispute is pending.
Fell Charter School shall follow the timelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Level II – Regional/State Review
If the dispute is not resolved at the local level, the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth may pursue the next level of review through Pennsylvania’s ECYEH dispute resolution process.
The Liaison shall provide the family or youth with information necessary to pursue the appeal.
The current Pennsylvania Department of Education dispute resolution procedures shall govern the process.
Pennsylvania Department of Education McKinney-Vento Dispute Resolution:
Dispute Resolution Process | Department of Education | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
XVI. COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL COORDINATION
Fell Charter School shall coordinate, when appropriate and permitted by law, with community agencies and regional ECYEH personnel to assist students and families experiencing homelessness.
The school may coordinate with:
- Pennsylvania ECYEH Region 7;
- Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18;
- Lackawanna County human services agencies;
- Emergency and transitional shelters;
- Housing assistance programs;
- Food assistance organizations;
- Health and behavioral health providers;
- Early childhood programs;
- Child welfare agencies;
- Local school districts;
- Other educational agencies; and
- Other community organizations capable of assisting students and families.
Pennsylvania ECYEH Region 7
Regional Coordinator: Jeff Zimmerman
Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18
368 Tioga Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704
Phone: 570-718-4613
Email: jzimmerman@liu18.org
Region 7 includes Lackawanna County and provides regional coordination and support for local educational agencies serving children and youth experiencing homelessness.
XVII. STAFF AWARENESS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Fell Charter School shall provide appropriate information and training to school personnel regarding the identification and educational rights of children and youth experiencing homelessness.
Training and information may address:
- The definition of homelessness;
- Common indicators of homelessness;
- Procedures for referring students to the Liaison;
- Immediate enrollment requirements;
- School-of-origin rights;
- Transportation rights;
- Unaccompanied youth;
- Privacy and confidentiality;
- Available school and community resources;
- Dispute resolution; and
- Other McKinney-Vento requirements.
School personnel shall be encouraged to promptly refer any student or family who may be experiencing homelessness to the McKinney-Vento Liaison.
XVIII. PARENT, STUDENT, AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Fell Charter School shall make information regarding McKinney-Vento educational rights available to parents, guardians, students, and the community.
Information shall be made available through appropriate means, which may include:
- The Fell Charter School website;
- Enrollment materials;
- Student and parent handbooks;
- School communications;
- Staff communications;
- Posters or informational materials;
- Direct communication with families; and
- Community outreach.
The school’s website shall contain a clearly identified McKinney-Vento / Homeless Education section containing information regarding:
- The McKinney-Vento Liaison;
- Educational rights;
- Fell Charter School policies and procedures;
- Available services and supports;
- Dispute resolution;
- Privacy and FERPA;
- Community resources;
- Early childhood resources; and
- Regional and state contacts.
Information shall be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary.
XIX. IMPLEMENTATION AND ANNUAL REVIEW
The Principal/McKinney-Vento Liaison shall be responsible for overseeing implementation of this policy.
The policy and related procedures shall be reviewed at least annually and revised as necessary to reflect changes in federal law, Pennsylvania law, Pennsylvania Department of Education guidance, or school procedures.
The Liaison shall maintain documentation necessary to demonstrate Fell Charter School’s compliance with McKinney-Vento requirements.
XX. LEGAL REFERENCES
This policy shall be implemented consistent with applicable federal and Pennsylvania requirements, including:
- McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 11431–11435;
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA);
- Pennsylvania Department of Education Basic Education Circular, Education for Homeless Youth, 42 U.S.C. § 11431 et seq.;
- Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements concerning enrollment of students;
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g;
- Applicable Pennsylvania School Code provisions and regulations; and
- Current Pennsylvania Department of Education Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH) guidance and procedures.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Fell Charter School McKinney-Vento Liaison
Jillian Linnehan-Reed, Principal
Fell Charter School
777 Main Street
Simpson, PA 18407
570-282-5199
jlinnehanreed@fellcharter.com
Pennsylvania ECYEH Region 7
Jeff Zimmerman, Regional Coordinator
Luzerne Intermediate Unit #18
368 Tioga Avenue
Kingston, PA 18704
570-718-4613
jzimmerman@liu18.org
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH)
Homeless Education | Department of Education | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Adopted by the Fell Charter School Board of Trustees:
Date: 9/21/26
Board President: Felicity Schultz
Secretary: Jillian Bair