Homeless Awareness Program

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Homeless Awareness Program is in place to address and support the educational needs of students who find themselves in temporary or transitional housing during the school year. The program reduces the barriers of homelessness, so students and their families feel supported and encouraged while they secure permanent housing.

 The McKinney-Vento Act

This act is funded by the federal government and comes to the school district as part of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Title Funds allocation. Each year the school district is required to set aside funds to support students covered by McKinney-Vento Act provisions.

 The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence". The act provides examples of children who would fall under this definition:

• Sharing housing due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or similar reason
• Living in motels or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations
• Living in emergency or transitional shelters
• Sleeping locations not usually used as a sleeping accommodation
• Living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations                                                                                      

Under federal law, homeless children and youth are entitled to immediate enrollment in school and educational stability.

The act ensures homeless children transportation to and from school free of charge, allowing children to attend their school of origin (last school enrolled or the school they attended when they first became homeless) regardless of what district the family resides in.

It requires schools to register homeless children if they lack normally required documents, such as immunization records or proof of residence.

 School District’s Responsibilities

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District must appoint a liaison to ensure school staff are aware of the McKinney-Vento Act, to provide public notice to homeless families, and to facilitate access to school and transportation services.

The position serves as liaison between the school, parents, students, and community agencies to meet the educational needs of the students. 

If you have a student/child who may qualify for our program's assistance and services, or would like more information, please contact our Homeless Education Liaison, Dr. Leah Reider, Director of Pupil Services via email at lreider@ucfsd.net or via phone at 610-347-0970 extension 3326.

Link to the district policy 251 on Homelessness
Link to Pennsylvannia Department of Education Basic Education Circular on Education Homeless Youth
Link to US Department of Education Laws and Guidance on Homeless Education

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Enrollment Policy (200)

What are the steps to enroll my child?

• Complete our online enrollment form
• Print and complete a New Student Enrollment packet
• Schedule an appointment with our Registrar
• Questions? Call 610-­347-­0970 x 3300 or email enrollment@ucfsd.net

What documents are required for enrollment?

• Child’s Proof of Age - one of the following: Birth certificate, Notarized copy of birth certificate, Baptismal certificate, Copy of the record of baptism, notarized or duly certified and showing date of birth, Notarized statement from the parents/guardians or relative indicating date of birth, Valid passport, Prior school record indicating date of birth

• Proof of Residency - one of the following documents is required: (a)Property Deed, (b)Mortgage Statement, (c)Settlement Statement, (d)Current Lease, or (e)Letter from employer evidencing employer provided housing
  AND one of the following: (a)Driver’s License, (b)Government Issued ID, (c)Vehicle Registration Card, (d)Utility Activation or Current Billing Statement, (e)Current Credit Card Statement, or (f)Property Tax Bill

• Child’s immunization record
• Completed New Student Enrollment Packet
• Completed Online Enrollment Form

In addition, the following, if applicable, should be brought to your appointment with the Registrar:

• Custody Agreement
• Special Education, Gifted or 504 Documents
• Most recent report card

I do not have internet or computer access. What should I do?

• Please call our Registrar at 610­-347­-0970 x 3300 to make an alternative arrangements.

Where is the enrollment office?

• New Student enrollments are processed at the UCFSD District Office, located on the right hand side of the Unionville High School at 740 Unionville Road Kennett Square, PA 19348. Please contact our Registrar if you need directions or are unsure of where to go.

What are the age requirements for entering Kindergarten?

• Your child must have obtained the age of five (5) years before September 1st to enter Kindergarten.

Does UCFSD offer a full day Kindergarten program?

• No, the district has two sessions of Kindergarten
  • AM Kindergarten 9:10AM­-11:45AM
  • PM Kindergarten 1:05PM-­3:40PM

How are AM and PM Kindergarten placements decided?

• Building principals determine placements for all students, including Kindergartners. In making AM/PM placement decisions, principals must weigh transportation efficiencies, class sizes and other factors to ensure a balanced learning environment. Families with special circumstances should provide this information to the building principal as soon as possible. Families are contacted in early July with their child’s AM or PM assignment.

Does the district provide mid­day busing for Kindergarten students?

• No, the district does not offer mid­day busing.

Does the district offer before/after school child care for students?

• Yes, UCFSD offers in-house child care for half-day Kindergarten students, as well as before/after school care for grades 1 thru 5, provided by the Kennett YMCA. These classes fill up quickly and are offered on a first come first serve basis. Registration for before and after care is done completely through the YMCA. You can contact them directly at 610-444-9622 x2320 or lsteger@ymcagbw.org for more information.

I am moving into the district and we have not yet completed the purchase of our home. Can I still enroll my child/ren?

• Yes. However, you will need to pay monthly tuition to the district until such time that you can provide settlement documents to our Registrar. Current tuition rates are determined by our Business Office and are subject to change.