1. Beyond Housing: A National Conversation on Child Homelessness and Poverty Early Childhood Education: Impacts and Strategies for Access Sarah Fujiwara

2. Founded in 1988 Mission Programs Horizons for Homeless Children History

3. 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

4. Overall Impacts of Homelessness on Young Children Health and Mental Health Educational Setbacks Domestic violence Developmental delays Loss

5. Toxic Stress Levels of Stress –Positive –Tolerable –Toxic Impact of Toxic Stress

6. 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

7. 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

8. Why is access important ? Early Childhood Programs can utilize tools available to create trauma informed services –Classroom environment –Curriculum –Teacher role

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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