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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Anne Douglass, EdM and Marji Erickson Warfield, PhD. Brandeis University, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, 283 Auburndale Ave, Auburndale, MA 02466, 617-877-6594, douglass@brandeis.edu

Research indicates that infants and toddlers who are homeless are more likely than other children both to demonstrate measurable developmental delays and to experience multiple risk factors for delays. In order to assist such children and minimize the short and long term consequences of homelessness, the 2004 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that homeless infants and toddlers in states receiving IDEA funding be identified, located, and evaluated so they can access the developmental services they need. In effect, this means that all infants and toddlers who are homeless are to be referred to Early Intervention (EI) services for evaluation and, if eligible under the state's criteria, receive EI services. The extent to which this legislation has resulted in actual referrals of all eligible infants and toddlers from homeless shelters to EI programs is unknown. Data on referrals prior to this reauthorization suggest that homeless infants and toddlers have not been routinely linked to EI. This paper will describe a demonstration project that increases access to Part C Early Intervention programs for young homeless children. The model features a successful partnership between shelters for homeless families, EI programs, and early childhood education programs. The lessons learned from this demonstration include the importance of collaboration and communication between EI and shelter staff, the role of shelter staff in encouraging families to “at least try [EI]”, the use of physical space within the shelter for EI services, and access to EI for children at-risk for developmental delay.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• List at least two developmental risks and protective factors for children who are homeless.
• Articulate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements regarding homeless infants and toddlers.
• Describe three important components of the successful model for increasing EI access for children who are homeless, and two challenges to consider when extending this model to other communities.

Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Homelessness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation