Description:
Many challenges are faced by parents who experience homelessness in accessing quality early childhood education for their infants and preschool aged children. This report explores these experiences as reported by both parents who experience homelessness and community-based homeless services and early childhood education providers in a series of related focus-groups conducted in Philadelphia, PA in Fall, 2016. Thirty-three homeless parents, twelve emergency housing providers, and seven early childhood education providers participated in seven parallel groups designed to facilitate dialogue that would provide direct insights into systemic issues and both personal and professional perspectives regarding access to and availability of quality early childhood care for families experiencing homelessness. Analysis of these dialogues identifies a series of key personal attitudes, systemic factors, and practical and logistical concerns that inform and influence related parental and provider behaviors. Based on these findings, this report then offers a series of recommendations for consideration in shaping local policy, practice, and training going forward. (author abstract)
Resource Type:
Reports & Papers
Publisher(s):
Funder(s):
Country:
United States
State(s)/Territories/Tribal Nation(s):
Pennsylvania