Beyond Housing: A National Conversation on Child Homelessness and Poverty

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Beyond Housing A National Conversation on Child
Homelessness and Poverty Early Childhood
Education Impacts and Strategies for
Access Sarah Fujiwara
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Horizons for Homeless Children History

• Founded in 1988
• Mission
• Programs

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Horizons for Homeless Children

• Direct Service Programs
• Community Childrens Centers
• Playspace Programs
• Family Partnership Program
• Evaluation and Innovation
• Training and Technical Assistance
• Policy and Advocacy

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Overall Impacts of Homelessness on Young Children

• Health and Mental Health
• Educational Setbacks
• Domestic violence
• Developmental delays
• Loss

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Toxic Stress

• Levels of Stress
• Positive
• Tolerable
• Toxic
• Impact of Toxic Stress

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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

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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

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Why is access important?

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

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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 staffs own understanding of personal
  safety
• Create a resiliency curriculum

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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

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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