Interactive Learning Series: Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness

Want to enhance your knowledge around family homelessness and the McKinney-Vento Act? This series from Office of Head Start’s Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (OHS ECLKC) is designed to help Head Start and other early childhood care professionals learn how to identify families experiencing homelessness, conduct community outreach, and build relationships with families and providers.

The eight modules in the series are listed below. Each module takes approximately 30 minutes to work through and includes a certificate upon completion. The series is available in English and Spanish.

• Module 1: Overview of Homelessness

• Module 2: Understanding Family Homelessness

• Module 3: Understanding the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act’s Definition of “Homelessness”

• Module 4: Determining a Family’s Homeless Situation

• Module 5: Identifying and Reaching out to Families Experiencing Homelessness

• Module 6: Enhancing Program Access and Participation for Children Experiencing Homelessness

• Module 7: Building Relationships with Families

• Module 8: Connecting with Community Partners

We also recommend these additional resources from OHS ECLKC:

Caring for the Health and Wellness of Children Experiencing Homelessness (PDF)
Policy Council Guiding Discussion Questions: Homelessness (PDF)
Recruitment Flyer for Parents Experiencing Homelessness (PDF)
State and Community Homelessness Maps (Web Link)

English (Web Link)

Spanish (Web Link)

Early Care and Education Services for Children Experiencing Homelessness

This guide by the NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) provides information on determining eligibility for children in temporary housing, and their rights and protections. You can also find a handy chart where community-specific information about early care and education programs can be included and then shared with parents.

New York State Education Department

Pre-K classrooms have a maximum size at twenty children, but can be expanded. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) will grant a class-size variance to allow a 21st child in the classroom if that child is in temporary housing. To get a variance, the Pre-K program should complete this Pre-K Class Size Variance Request.

Interactive Learning Series: Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness

Highlighted Resources

Early Care and Education Services for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Tip Sheet: Navigating Challenging Conversations

NYS-TEACHS

Pre-K Class Size Variance Request

New York State Education Department