Beyond Housing: A National Conversation on Child

Homelessness and Poverty

Early Childhood Education: Impacts and Strategies for Access

Sarah Fujiwara

• Founded in 1988

• Mission

• Programs

Horizons for Homeless ChildrenHistory

Horizons for Homeless Children

• Direct Service Programs:– Community Children’s Centers– Playspace Programs– Family Partnership Program

• Evaluation and Innovation • Training and Technical Assistance• Policy and Advocacy

Overall Impacts of Homelessness on Young Children

• Health and Mental Health

• Educational Setbacks

• Domestic violence

• Developmental delays

• Loss

•

Toxic Stress

• Levels of Stress– Positive– Tolerable– Toxic

• Impact of Toxic Stress

Perpetual Fear and Anxiety

• Typical fears- resolved over time• Fears that come from prolonged

abuse, homelessness and trauma have lasting impact– How children learn– Solve problems– Stay focused

Development of Executive Functioning

• What is it?– Ability to multi task– Ability to display self control– Ability to follow multi-step instructions– Ability to stay focused

Why is access important?

• Early Childhood Programs can utilize tools available to create trauma informed services– Classroom environment– Curriculum– Teacher role

Why is access important for children?

Potential to:• Create safe nurturing environments• Build in predictability• Be sensitive to triggers• Provide opportunities for children to have

control• Support staff’s own understanding of personal

safety• Create a ‘resiliency’ curriculum

Why is access important for parents?

• Gain comfort in ‘school’ settings• Learn about the value of ece for their

children• Gain support from other parents• Access supports and services for their

family and themselves• Have an opportunity to learn through

play for themselves

Horizons for Homeless Children

1705 Columbus Avenue

Roxbury, MA 02119

www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org

Young Children Without Homes National Conference

May 30 & 31, 2012 Boston MA