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Beyond Housing: A National Conversation on Child Homelessness and Poverty Early Childhood Education: Impacts and Strategies for Access Sarah Fujiwara. Horizons for Homeless Children History. Founded in 1988 Mission Programs. Horizons for Homeless Children. Direct Service Programs:
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Beyond Housing: A National Conversation on Child Homelessness and Poverty Early Childhood Education: Impacts and Strategies for Access Sarah Fujiwara
Horizons for Homeless Children History • Founded in 1988 • Mission • Programs
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