Small Children, Big Impact: What’s Working for Young Children Experiencing Homelessness
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About the Lunch-and-Learn Series
Nearly 700,000 children under age six are experiencing homelessness across the United States. The consequences are profound—developmental delays, social-emotional challenges, reduced school readiness, and a higher likelihood of homelessness later in life. But across the country, early childhood programs, schools, and community partners are stepping up with innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of these young children and their families.
In this lunch-and-learn series, SchoolHouse Connection will spotlight programs that are making a real difference. Participants will hear practical examples from the field and learn replicable strategies that can strengthen identification, enrollment, and support for young children experiencing homelessness in a range of community settings.
Note: More programs and dates will be added soon!
All Sessions
May 5, 2026 (1:00-1:45 pm Eastern)
In this kick-off session of our new series, join us in conversation with Jamila Larson, LICSW, Executive Director and co-founder of the Playtime Project in Washington, D.C. Playtime Project supports the developmental needs of children experiencing homelessness by providing and expanding access to transformative play experiences. Playtime’s vision is to help break the cycle of homelessness by ensuring all children have the opportunity to play, heal and learn.
May 19, 2026 (1:00-1:45 pm Eastern)
In the second session of our series, join us in conversation with Steven Bartholomew, Executive Director of New Legacy Charter School in Aurora, Colorado to learn more about New Legacy’s innovative two-generation model for serving parenting high school students experiencing homelessness and their young children.
June 2, 2026 (1:00-1:45 pm Eastern)
In the third session of our series, join us in conversation with Robin Jacob and Cherie Ross of the Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) in Michigan. Learn how MIHP home visiting prioritizes families experiencing homelessness through service delivery, and what they have learned from early data collection and reporting.
June 16, 2026 (1:00-1:45 pm Eastern)
In the fourth session of our series, join us in conversation with Melanie Richardson, LMSW, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Training Grounds in New Orleans, Louisiana. Learn how their WE PLAY centers have helped families experiencing homelessness gain greater access to play opportunities, parent education, and to critical community resources and supports.