Head Start and Homelessness

1. Head Start and Homelessness James A. Scott, Jr., Ph.D. Director Head Start State Collaboration Office Ohio Department of Education

2. Head Start in Ohio • 66 Head Start grantees and delegate agencies • 36,854 children in Head Start and Early Head Start • 5th largest Head Start enrollment in the country

3. Head Start in Ohio • Federal funding for Ohio: over $248 million • Migrant/Seasonal Head Start provided to over 900 children • Fall 2009: Expecting an expansion of more children in Head Start and Early Head Start

4. Poverty in Ohio • Three of the top 10 poorest cities are in Ohio • #2 Cleveland (30.5%) • #7 Cincinnati (25.1%) • #8 Toledo (24.7%) • Poverty rate for Ohio’s children under 18 increased from 19.1% in 2007 to 21% in 2008 (530,000 to 575,000) (COHHIO,2009)

5. Homelessness in Ohio • On any one night in 2009 - 12,463 Ohioans were homeless • Homeless families generally: • have lower incomes • are younger • more likely to include a pregnant adult and less likely to have a housing subsidy than their non-homeless, low-income counterparts (COHHIO, 2009)

6. Impact of Homelessnesson Children and Families • 2007-2008 school year: 794,617 homeless children and youth enrolled in public schools • State of the economy and the mortgage and foreclosure crisis have increasedthe number of homeless families • Two trends: shortage of affordable housing and an increase in severe poverty (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

7. Impact of Homelessness on Children and Families • Impacts a child’s health and well-being • Related to increased rates of hunger; inability to focus and concentrate; increased absences; chronic illnesses All of these health risks increase the chances that a homeless child will fall behind in school. (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

8. The McKinney-Vento Act • Defines homeless children and youth as “Individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence” • Ensures that children and youth receive the support they need to enroll, attend and succeed in school (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

9. The McKinney-Vento Act • State Education Agency required to establish an Office of State Coordinator for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth • Every Local Education Agency (LEA) is required to: • designate a Liaison for students in homeless situations • ensure that school personnel identify homeless children and youth • conduct additional identification through coordination with other entities and agencies(Duffield, Heybach&Julianelle, 2009)

10. Homelessness and Young Children • National survey: over 40% of children living in shelters are under the age of five • Head Start children experiencing homelessness have greater developmental delays and exhibit a higher frequency of socio-emotional problems in comparison to non-homeless children served by Head Start. (Burt, Aron & Douglas, 1999)

11. Head Start and Homeless Children • Definition of homelessness in the Head Start Act is the same as in the McKinney-Vento Act • Homeless children are categorically eligible for Head Start. • The Head Start Act requires the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to issue regulations for serving homeless children. (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

12. Head Start and Homeless Children • In 2008, Ohio Head Start programs served 650 homeless children in 540 homeless families. • In 2008, 335 homeless families in Ohio acquired housing. • Head Start State Collaboration Directors must develop a strategic plan that will enhance collaboration and coordination with and services for homeless children. (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

13. Head Start and Homeless Children • Head Start agencies must coordinate and collaborate with programs under Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. • Head Start programs must establish channels of communication between Head Start staff and McKinney-Vento liaisons to facilitate coordination of programs.(Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

14. Head Start and Homeless Children • Head Start programs must develop and implement a family outreach and support program in coordination with outreach efforts under the McKinney-Vento Act. • Early Head Start programs must coordinate services with programs in the community for homeless infants and toddlers. (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

15. Access to Early Childhood Education for Homeless Children • Public School Preschool • Head Start and Early Head Start • IDEA Part C (Duffield, Heybach & Julianelle, 2009)

16. References • Burt, Aron & Douglas. (1999). Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve: Summary Report – Findings of the national Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients. Washington, D.C.: The Urban Institute. • Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. (2009). October Monthly Newsletter.

17. References Duffield, B., Heybach, L., & Julianelle, P. (2009). Educating children without housing: A primer on legal requirements and implementation strategies for educators, advocates and policymakers (3rded.). Washington, D.C.: American Bar Association, Commission on Homelessness and Poverty.