If you are currently in a homeless situation or feel you will be in a Homeless situation, please call Freedom Area School District’s Homeless Liaison, Ms. Rita Kaplin, at 724-775-7400 Ext. 542 or rkaplin@freedomarea.org  

• Freedom Area School District’s goal is to reduce barriers to school enrollment and achievement so that students from families who are experiencing homelessness have an equal opportunity to succeed in school.

• Services include but are not limited to advocacy, transportation, school supplies, and local resources.

• Did you know that:
  • Homeless children and youths must have equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschool education, as provided for other children and youths?
  • Any requirements in laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as a barrier to the identification, enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youths must be eliminated?

•  Definition of Homelessness  according to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
  • The McKinney-Vento Act Main Themes:  
    
    • Identification
    • School Stability
    • Immediate Enrollment
    • Support for Academic Success
    • Child-Centered, Best Interest Decision Making

• Letter to Parents/Guardians 

• Resources for Families in Crisis provides valuable information for families who may need assistance in a variety of areas, ie., housing, paying bills, food pantries, Mental Health resources, affordable internet.

Thank you,
Ms. Rita Kaplin, M.Ed. 
School Counselor
Freedom Area High School