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Resource Directory

Last Updated On: 09/29/2025
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ARIN Intermediate Unit 28, Educational Stability and Success for Students in Foster Care

Organizational Information

Parent Organization

ARIN IU 28

Vision, Mission and/or Purpose of Organization

Foster care provisions found in ESSA promote greater stability for foster care youth so that they can continue their education without disruption, maintain important relationships with peers and adults, and have the opportunity to achieve college and career readiness.

History of Organization

The Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program assures execution of the federal legislation, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act of 1988, then incorporated into the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act. Implementation of this program ensures that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to the same, free, appropriate, public education; including preschool education, as provides to other children and youth.

Legal Structure

Other

Funding Sources

Federal

Contact Information

Key Leader(s)

Andrea Sheesley -  Director of Early Learning, School and Community Services
7244635300
asheesley@iu28.org
Irene Walker -  Foster Care Coordinator
iwalker@iu28.org

Contact Person(s)

Andrea Sheesley
7244635300
asheesley@iu28.org

Primary Address

ARIN IU 28
2895 W Pike
Indiana, PA 15701
Indiana, PA, 15701

Service Information

Service Area

Armstrong, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Indiana, Jefferson, and Potter

Service Description

Immediate Enrollment: Students in foster care can enroll immediately, even without proof of residency, immunizations, or guardianship documents.

Act 1 of 2022: Ensures equal access to academics and extracurricular activities, and supports timely graduation for students experiencing educational instability.

Students have the right to remain in their school of origin unless it’s determined not to be in their best interest.

If remaining in the school of origin, the Local Education Agency (LEA) must provide or arrange transportation, even if the student lives outside the attendance zone.

Students have the same access as peers to special education, gifted programs, and extracurricular activities.

Education Liaison: Each LEA designates a contact to coordinate with County Children & Youth Agencies (CCYAs).

CCYAs: Collaborate with schools to ensure educational needs of foster youth are met.

Keywords

Foster Care Education

Available Hours

8 am- 4:15 pm Monday- Friday

Fees/Cost for Services

No cost

Eligibility Requirements

Students in foster care placement who have experienced “education instability” — meaning one or more school changes in school entity enrollment during a single school year — are eligible for assistance under Pennsylvania law.

How to Access Services or Schedule Appointments

Contact ARIN IU 28