Did you know that 90% of the brain is developed by age 5? During this period of rapid brain growth, it is very important that children have access to quality early childhood programs. Unfortunately, children experiencing homelessness are less likely to participate in early childhood programs than children who are permanently housed. According to federal data, only 8% of children who were homeless in NYS participated in pre-k, Head Start, and Early Head Start. But professionals, like you, can play a big role to better ensure that children who are homeless have access to quality early childhood programs.

This webinar, offered in partnership with the State Education Department’s technical assistance center, NYS-TEACHS, will provide participants with an overview of the different types of quality early childhood education programs available in New York State and strategies to help parents in temporary housing enroll their children in these programs. It will also provide Community Action Agencies that have early care programs with information about which families are considered homeless and the role of school districts in supporting preschool-age children.

Presenters:

• Jennifer Pringle, J.D. - New York State Technical and Education Assistance Center for Homeless Students
• Melanie Faby - New York State Education Department

Click here to register!