Preschool children experiencing homelessness must have access to several types of programs aimed at ensuring stability, early education, and support for their development. These include:
- Title I preschool programs, Early Head Start, and Head Start programs, for which these children are automatically eligible regardless of family income. These programs provide quality early childhood education and support to promote developmental outcomes and academic readiness.
- Programs mandated by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which guarantees homeless children the right to remain in their preschool of origin if it is in their best interest, immediate enrollment even without typical documentation, and transportation to and from their preschool of origin.
- Full-time, year-round early education programs that include literacy and STEM curriculum, often provided free of charge to children living in shelters to prepare them for kindergarten.
- Child Care Resource and Referral agencies (CCR&Rs) and child care providers play a crucial role in offering stable routines, structured learning, physical activity opportunities, and connections to social services, which help support the mental and physical well-being of children experiencing homelessness.
- Comprehensive community and school-based early intervention programs that connect families to emergency support, housing resources, and services to prevent and mitigate the trauma of homelessness on young children.
These programs collectively ensure that preschool children experiencing homelessness receive stable, nurturing learning environments alongside the supports necessary for healthy development and school readiness.