Field-tested tools and training for the providers working every day with young children experiencing homelessness — shaped by the people who use them.
BEACON for children experiencing homelessness puts practical tools and training directly into the hands of the providers who work with young children every day – in early childhood, housing, homeless assistance, child welfare, and health care.
Experiencing homelessness from birth to age 8 can jeopardize healthy development and increase the likelihood of adult homelessness and other problems later in life. Providers across these systems can help mitigate those effects – but only if they have effective tools and training in hand.
Participating pilot sites don’t just receive a finished product. They field-test a tool or training, give feedback, and help shape the final version before it’s finalized.
What it does: Helps assess a family’s living situation.
Who it’s for: Developed for pediatric providers and home visiting practitioners; also usable by early childhood development providers, local educational agencies, and others working with children and families.
What it does: This Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) template provides a structure for formal partnerships between programs serving children and families experiencing homelessness.
Who it’s for: Early childhood development programs and local educational agencies.
What it does: Helps guide program staff through discussions with families about their living situation.
Who it’s for: Early childhood development program staff and local educational agencies.
