Supporting Children & Families Experiencing Homelessness Interactive Learning Series

The McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act’s definition of homelessness includes the following: “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence” [Title 42, Chapter 119, Subchapter VI, Part B, Section 11434a]. However, it goes on to explain in greater detail what is meant by homelessness for children and youth. HeadStart.gov (formerly known as Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center) offers an eight-module course on the subject to help broaden your understanding of this important topic. Click here to find the modules. Learn to recognize families who are “experiencing homelessness, conduct community outreach, and much more.” Certificates of completion are available for this course which takes approximately four hours to complete at 30 minutes per module.The ICC-Recommended Early Start Personnel Manual (ESPM) describes core knowledge and role-specific competencies needed for early intervention service provision, incorporating current research and evidence in the field of early intervention. To access the ESPM, click here.

This resource is related to the following ESPM knowledge-level competencies:

Core Knowledge (CK):
- CK1: The dynamics of family systems including cultural, linguistic and socio-economic factors influencing family function and care for all children.
Identification and Referral (IR):
- IR4 (EIS): Knows resource options for services and supports (other than Early Start) in the country/area of residence.
Evaluation and Assessment (EA):
- EA1 (EIS): Knows legal and ethical responsibilities, including confidentiality related to evaluation and assessment.
- EA5 (EIS): Understands the effect of social context, child’s state of health and well-being, primary language, ability and environment on assessment processes.
Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-DR):
- IFSP-DR3 (EIS): Knows community agencies and resources such as primary health care, infant/family mental health, social services and parent-parent support groups.
Individualized Family Service Plan Development and Review (IFSP-i):
- IFSP-i1 (EIS): Knows current federal and state laws, regulations and timelines for early intervention services.
- IFSP-i10 (EIS): Knows strategies that support parents in providing basic health, nutrition, and safety for infants and toddlers in natural environments.