Early Childhood Homelessness 

State Profiles 

Data Collected in 2018-19 

Early Childhood Homelessness 

State Profiles

Data Collected in 2018-19 

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

Office of the Chief Data Officer

Prepared by:

Amy Yamashiro

John McLaughlin

U.S. Department of Education

2021
This publication contains information about and from outside organizations, including hyperlinks and 

URLs. Inclusion of such information does not constitute an endorsement by the Department.

U.S. Department of Education

Miguel A. Cardona, Ed.D.

Secretary

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

Donna Harris-Aikens 

Acting Assistant Secretary

Office of the Chief Data Officer

Gregory Fortelny 

Chief Data Officer

May 2021 

This report is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. While 

permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: Yamashiro, Amy & 

McLaughlin, John (2021). Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19. U.S. Department of 

Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, Office of the Chief Data Officer. 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/opepd/ppss/reports.html. 

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Amy Yamashiro

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Email: amy.yamashiro@ed.gov
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer |i 

Contents 

List of Exhibits iii

Data Highlights iv

Introduction 1

References 7 

Profiles

National 8 

Alabama 9 

Alaska 10 

Arizona 11 

Arkansas 12 

California 13 

Colorado 14 

Connecticut 15 

Delaware 16 

District of Columbia 17 

Florida 18 

Georgia 19

Hawaii 20 

Idaho 21 

Illinois 22 

Indiana 23 

Iowa 24 

Kansas 25 

Kentucky 26 

Louisiana 27 

Maine 28 

Maryland 29

Massachusetts 30 

Michigan 31 

Minnesota 32 

Mississippi 33 

Missouri 34 

Montana 35 

Nebraska 36 

Nevada 37 

New Hampshire 38 

New Jersey 39
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer |ii 

New Mexico 40 

New York 41 

North Carolina 42 

North Dakota 43 

Ohio 44 

Oklahoma 45 

Oregon 46 

Pennsylvania 47 

Puerto Rico 48 

Rhode Island 49

South Carolina 50 

South Dakota 51 

Tennessee 52 

Texas 53 

Utah 54 

Vermont 55 

Virginia 56

Washington 57 

West Virginia 58

Wisconsin 59

Wyoming 60 

Appendix I: Data Sources and Methodology 61 

Data Sources 61 

Methodology 62 

Early Childhood Homelessness 62 

Early Childhood Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness 64 

Related Factors 65 

References 65 

Appendix II: Federal Definitions of Homelessness 66 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Definition 66 

HEARTH Act Definition 67 

Appendix III: Federally Funded Early Childhood Programs 69

Head Start 69

Child Care and Development Fund 69

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting 70 

McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act 71 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer |iii 

List of Exhibits 

Exhibit 1: Number of children under age six by jurisdiction in 2019 3 

Exhibit 2: Number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness by 

jurisdiction in 2018-19 4 

Exhibit 3: Number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness 

served by federally funded education programs in 2018-19 5 

Exhibit 4: Percentage of children living in families with high housing cost burden (housing) 

and children under age six with no resident parent in the labor force (labor) in 

2018 6 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer |iv

Data Highlights

This report presents data on children under age six who are experiencing homelessness at the 

national level and in the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. It uses data 

collected from 2018 to 2019 by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the 

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) within the U.S. Department 

of Health and Human Services (HHS) and by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). It also 

includes publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau (Census), the U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (2020), and from the Annie E. Casey Foundation

(2018). In January 2016, ACF released Early Childhood Homelessness 50-State Profiles as part of 

an interagency early childhood workgroup of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness 

(USICH),

1

1 The 2016 and 2017 reports were prepared by ACF and are no longer available online.

which included member agencies ACF and ASPE within HHS, ED, HUD, and the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA). ACF released a second state profile report in 2017 and then 

ED issued annual reports in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

2

2 2018 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessness-stateprofiles.pdf; 2019 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessnessstate-profiles-2019.pdf; 2020 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhoodhomelessness-state-profiles-2020.pdf

 This 2018-193

3 Note: ED collects data by school years (SY), in which SY 2018-19 data go from July 1 to June 30. ACF collects Head 

Start data by fiscal years (FY), in which FY 2018-19 data go from October 1 to September 30.

report presents the data by 

jurisdiction to inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on young children 

experiencing homelessness. Homeless children and youths lack a fixed, regular, and adequate 

nighttime residence. Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney--- Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinneyVento) offers support for states, outlying areas, and the Bureau of Indian Education to ensure 

that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal access to a free and appropriate 

public education. It was amended through the Every Student Succeeds Act in 2015, and is

administered by ED. Having this data helps policymakers and the public understand the 

evolving prevalence and nature of early childhood homelessness.

National Level

• In 2018-19, 1,297,513, or 5 percent,

4

4 Source: U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or without 

McKinney---Vento subgrants.

of children under age six experienced

homelessness. 

• In 2018-19, 126,665, or 10 percent,

5

5 The estimated number of children may be slightly inflated due to a small number of children who receive 

services from both Head Start/Early Head Start and the McKinney-Vento program. Sources: U.S. Department of 

Education. Homeless children and youth served by McKinney---Vento subgrants, and the HHS, ACF, Office of Head 

Start. Program information report: Total number of children experiencing homelessness that were served during 

the enrollment year.

of children under age six experiencing 

homelessness enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start, or programs funded with 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer |v

McKinney---Vento subgrants. Note this enrollment rate does not include children enrolled 

in early childhood programs that are state and locally funded. 

• In 2018, 31 percent of families with children under age 18 were experiencing a “high 

housing cost burden” (defined as spending 30 percent or more of monthly income on 

housing expenses).6

6 Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Children living in households with a high 

housing cost burden.

• In 2018, 8 percent of children under age six had no resident parent in the labor force in 

the United States.7

7 Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Children under age six with no resident parent 

in the labor force in the United States.

State Level

• In 2018-19, more than 100,000 children under age six experienced homelessness in 

California, New York, and Texas (ranging from 4.22 to 10.11 percent). More than 30,000 

children under age six experienced homelessness in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, 

Missouri, Ohio, and Washington (ranging from 3.75 to 7.28 percent).8

8 Source: U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or without 

McKinney---Vento subgrants. 

• In 2018-19, more than 5,000 children under age six experiencing homelessness were 

served by Head Start and Early Head Start, or programs funded with McKinney---Vento 

subgrants in California, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas (ranging from 

7.25 to 36.48 percent).

9

9

 Sources: U.S. Department of Education. Homeless children and youth served by McKinney---Vento subgrants, and 

the HHS, ACF, Office of Head Start. Program information report: Total number of children experiencing 

homelessness that were served during the enrollment year.

• Ten states or jurisdictions (California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, 

Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) had one-third or 

more of families with children under age 18 experiencing a high housing cost burden in

2018.10

10 Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Children living in households with a high 

housing cost burden.

• Thirteen states or jurisdictions (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Hawaii, Kentucky, 

Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, and 

West Virginia) had 10 percent or more of children under age six whose resident parents 

were not in the civilian labor force in 2018.11

11 Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Children under age six with no resident parent 

in the labor force in the United States.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 1

Introduction 

Homelessness is a reality for many families with young children in the United States. Children 

and youths experiencing homelessness lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. 

In 2018, about a third of all people who stayed in a shelter were families with children, and 

nearly half of children served by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD)-funded emergency and transitional housing providers were age five or younger (HUD, 

2020). Furthermore, children under the age of one make up less than 6 percent of the overall 

child population in the United States, yet they constitute 10 percent of the child population 

served by HUD---funded shelters (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020; HUD, 2020). In 2019, there were 

nearly 24 million children under age six in the United States (Exhibit 1). In 2018–19,12

12 Data from HHS are reported by school year (i.e., 2016-17). Data from the KIDS COUNT Data Center, the 

U.S. Census Bureau, and HUD are reported for the calendar, rather than school, year.

nearly 

1.3 million, or 6 percent, of children under age six were experiencing homelessness (Exhibit 2), 

and of these, 126,665, or 10 percent, were served by federally-funded education programs 

(Exhibit 3).

In January 2016, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) released Early Childhood 

Homelessness 50-State Profiles13

13 The 2016 and 2017 reports were prepared by ACF and are no longer available online.

as part of an interagency early childhood workgroup of the 

U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH).14

14 Member agencies included ACF, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) for the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education (ED), HUD, and the U.S. 

Department of Agriculture (USDA).

ACF released a second state profile in 

2017, and then the U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued reports in 2018, 2019, and 

2020.

15

15 2018 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessness-stateprofiles.pdf; 2019 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessnessstate-profiles-2019.pdf; 2020 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhoodhomelessness-state-profiles-2020.pdf

This report presents the publicly available data collected in 2018-19 by ED, in 2019 by 

the U.S. Census Bureau (Census), and in 2018 by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Its purpose is 

to inform policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on the change in the size and service 

coverage of young children experiencing homelessness in 2018-19. 

Research has established a strong connection between a young child’s early experiences and 

brain development. The early years of life can provide a strong or weak foundation for all 

future learning, behavior, and health (National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, 

2007).16

16 National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2007). The Timing and Quality of Early Experiences Combine 

to Shape Brain Architecture: Working Paper No. 5. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu

For example, “critical aspects of brain architecture begin to be shaped by experience 

before and soon after birth, and many fundamental aspects of that architecture are established 

well before a child enters school” (p. 1).17

17 Ibid.

 Homelessness in early childhood is associated with 

poor academic achievement and engagement in elementary school (Perlman & Fantuzzo, 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 2

2010). Additionally, experiences of homelessness are associated with social-emotional delays 

among young children (Haskett et al., 2015) and poor classroom-based social skills in 

elementary school (Brumley et al., 2015). These findings underscore the importance of ensuring 

that young children who experience homelessness have access to evidence-based and 

promising educational experiences that research shows are critical to improving the long---term 

educational outcomes of children. 

This report presents data collected in 2018-19 to provide a snapshot of children under age six

who are experiencing homelessness at the national level. The data are from the 50 States, the 

District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico; limited information is also available for other selected 

U.S. territories. The following data are presented by state: 

• Number of children under age six by jurisdiction in 2019 (Exhibit 1)

• Number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness by 

jurisdiction in 2018-19 (Exhibit 2)

• Number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness served by 

federally funded education programs in 2018-19 (i.e., Head Start18

18 Head Start, a comprehensive child development program with the overall goal of increasing the school 

readiness of young children from birth to age five in low---income families, is administered by HHS through the 

Office of Head Start at the ACF. Please note that this rate does not yet include children served by HHS’s Child 

Care and Development Fund, but that such data will be available in future years.

 and McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act19

19 The Secretary of Education is authorized to make grants to States for the education of children and youth by 

Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act.

 subgrants) (Exhibit 3)

This report also includes two indicators on related factors: the percentage of families 

experiencing a “high housing cost burden” (defined as spending 30 percent or more of monthly 

income on housing expenses) and the percentage of young children under age six with “no 

resident parent in U.S. labor force” (Exhibit 4). Data on these related factors are not available 

for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern 

Mariana Islands. HHS provides information about the number of children experiencing 

homelessness served by Head Start and Early Head Start in these areas.20

20 The Secretary is authorized to reserve .1 percent of the amount appropriated for each fiscal year to be allocated 

among the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 

Islands, according to their respective need for assistance, as determined by the Secretary. (42 U.S.C. § 11432 

(Section 722(c)(2)(A)).) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11432(c)(2)(A))). The 

Secretary transfers 1 percent of the amount appropriated for each fiscal year to the Department of the Interior 

for programs for Indian students served by schools funded by the Secretary of the Interior. (Section 

722(c)(2)(B)(i) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11432(c)(2)(B)(i)).))).
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 3

Exhibit 1. Number of children under age six by jurisdiction in 2019

Jurisdiction Number Jurisdiction Number

Alabama 353,925 Montana 74,016 

Alaska 61,494 Nebraska 157,754 

Arizona 520,646 Nevada 223,663 

Arkansas 226,868 New Hampshire 76,875 

California 2,877,174 New Jersey 619,743 

Colorado 400,671 New Mexico 146,923 

Connecticut 219,776 New York 1,350,416 

Delaware 65,825 North Carolina 734,550 

District of Columbia 53,330 North Dakota 64,724 

Florida 1,373,213 Ohio 833,142 

Georgia 791,581 Oklahoma 308,973 

Hawaii 102,773 Oregon 276,001 

Idaho 140,265 Pennsylvania 842,742 

Illinois 899,185 Puerto Rico 146,455 

Indiana 504,458 Rhode Island 65,457 

Iowa 236,020 South Carolina 353,082 

Kansas 224,162 South Dakota 73,567 

Kentucky 328,266 Tennessee 491,248 

Louisiana 363,049 Texas 2,406,755 

Maine 76,842 Utah 299,171 

Maryland 435,183 Vermont 35,273 

Massachusetts 430,159 Virginia 608,289 

Michigan 683,798 Washington 550,167 

Minnesota 424,820 West Virginia 112,986 

Mississippi 220,890 Wisconsin 398,733 

Missouri 444,058 Wyoming 42,283 

National 23,751,419 

Exhibit reads: In 2019, Alabama had 353,925 children under age six.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of Age 

and Sex for the United States and States. Data for 2019.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 4

Exhibit 2. Number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness by 

jurisdiction in 2018-19

Jurisdiction Number Percentage Jurisdiction Number Percentage

Alabama 15,508 4.4 Montana 4,032 5.4

Alaska 3,381 5.5 Nebraska 4,072 2.6

Arizona 20,233 3.9 Nevada 17,531 7.8

Arkansas 13,236 5.8 New Hampshire 3,812 5.0

California 261,323 9.1 New Jersey 12,942 2.1

Colorado 20,038 5.0 New Mexico 10,788 7.3

Connecticut 4,403 2.0 New York 136,550 10.1

Delaware 3,435 5.2 North Carolina 32,189 4.4

District of Columbia 5,337 10.0 North Dakota 2,426 3.7

Florida 85,985 6.3 Ohio 31,207 3.7

Georgia 36,796 4.6 Oklahoma 21,294 6.9

Hawaii 3,429 3.3 Oregon 21,512 7.8

Idaho 7,471 5.3 Pennsylvania 29,995 3.6

Illinois 51,329 5.7 Puerto Rico 4,528 3.1

Indiana 17,429 3.5 Rhode Island 1,409 2.2

Iowa 6,918 2.9 South Carolina 11,747 3.3

Kansas 7,826 3.5 South Dakota 1,796 2.4

Kentucky 22,424 6.8 Tennessee 18,692 3.8

Louisiana 15,825 4.4 Texas 101,583 4.2

Maine 2,430 3.2 Utah 13,086 4.4

Maryland 14,862 3.4 Vermont 909 2.6

Massachusetts 23,233 5.4 Virginia 19,218 3.2

Michigan 32,743 4.8 Washington 37,623 6.8

Minnesota 15,946 3.8 West Virginia 9,736 8.6

Mississippi 6,709 3.0 Wisconsin 16,537 4.1

Missouri 32,340 7.3 Wyoming 1,708 4.0

National 1,297,513 5.5

Exhibit reads: In 2018-19, Alabama had 15,508 children under age six experiencing homelessness, or 4.4 percent of 

the total early childhood population across the state.

Note: The estimated numbers and percentages of children under age six experiencing homelessness were 

calculated by applying the methodology used by the National Center for Family Homelessness in America’s 

Youngest Outcasts: A Report Card on Child Homelessness (Bassuk, DeCandia, Beach, & Berman, 2014).

Source: U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in local educational agencies 

(LEAs) with or without McKinney---Vento subgrants, in 2018–19. [Data set]. Retrieved July 23, 2020, from EDFacts.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 5

Exhibit 3. Number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness 

served by federally funded education programs in 2018-19

Jurisdiction Number Percentage Jurisdiction Number Percentage

Alabama 465 3.0 Montana 1,209 30.0

Alaska 446 13.2 Nebraska 596 14.6

Arizona 1,075 5.3 Nevada 1,558 8.9

Arkansas 1,207 9.1 New Hampshire 332 8.7

California 18,953 7.3 New Jersey 1,595 12.3

Colorado 2,329 11.6 New Mexico 577 5.3

Connecticut 566 12.9 New York 11,631 8.5

Delaware 238 6.9 North Carolina 2,639 8.2

District of Columbia 1,300 24.4 North Dakota 342 14.1

Florida 4,619 5.4 Ohio 5,388 17.3

Georgia 1,607 4.4 Oklahoma 1,804 8.5

Hawaii 292 8.5 Oregon 4,367 20.3

Idaho 967 12.9 Pennsylvania 10,941 36.5

Illinois 5,373 10.5 Puerto Rico 450 9.9

Indiana 1,315 7.5 Rhode Island 155 11.0

Iowa 730 10.6 South Carolina 1,391 11.8

Kansas 1,583 20.2 South Dakota 1,021 56.9

Kentucky 1,504 6.7 Tennessee 1,242 6.6

Louisiana 1,666 10.5 Texas 10,215 10.1

Maine 338 13.9 Utah 660 5.0

Maryland 1,241 8.4 Vermont 368 40.5

Massachusetts 3,189 13.7 Virginia 1,787 9.3

Michigan 3,810 11.6 Washington 3,280 8.7

Minnesota 2,350 14.7 West Virginia 1,107 11.4

Mississippi 223 3.3 Wisconsin 2,825 17.1

Missouri 1,494 4.6 Wyoming 305 17.9

National 126,665 9.8

Exhibit reads: In 2018-19, Alabama had 465 children under age six experiencing homelessness who were served by 

federally funded early childhood programs, or 3.0 percent of the total early childhood homeless population across 

the state.

Note: This table presents the number and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness who 

were served by Head Start/Early Head Start and/or by the McKinney-Vento program in 2018-19. 

Source: U.S. Department of Education. Homeless children and youth served by McKinney---Vento subgrants------Ages 

birth through 2; and Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or without McKinney---Vento 

subgrants—Ages 3 to 5: 2018-19. [Data set]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for 

Children and Families, Office of Head Start. (2019). Program information report: Total number of children 

experiencing homelessness that were served during the enrollment year.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 6

Exhibit 4. Percentage of children living in families with a high housing cost burden and

children under age six with no resident parent in the labor force in 2018

Jurisdiction High 

Housing 

Cost 

Burden

No 

Resident 

Parent in 

U.S. Labor 

Force

Jurisdiction High 

Housing 

Cost 

Burden

No 

Resident 

Parent in 

U.S. Labor 

Force

Alabama 26 11 Montana 24 6

Alaska 25 9 Nebraska 21 5

Arizona 29 10 Nevada 33 8

Arkansas 26 10 New Hampshire 27 7

California 42 9 New Jersey 36 7

Colorado 30 5 New Mexico 26 14

Connecticut 35 7 New York 38 9

Delaware 33 9 North Carolina 27 9

District of Columbia 37 S North Dakota 18 5

Florida 37 9 Ohio 25 9

Georgia 30 8 Oklahoma 25 9

Hawaii 35 10 Oregon 32 7

Idaho 24 4 Pennsylvania 27 7

Illinois 29 6 Puerto Rico 29 28

Indiana 22 7 Rhode Island 35 10

Iowa 19 5 South Carolina 27 9

Kansas 22 6 South Dakota 20 8

Kentucky 25 11 Tennessee 29 11

Louisiana 31 13 Texas 32 10

Maine 22 7 Utah 23 4

Maryland 31 7 Vermont 26 6

Massachusetts 31 6 Virginia 29 8

Michigan 25 8 Washington 30 6

Minnesota 21 4 West Virginia 24 14

Mississippi 27 11 Wisconsin 23 6

Missouri 23 7 Wyoming 20 7

National 31 8

Exhibit reads: In 2018, Alabama had 26 percent of children under age 18 living in families spending 30 percent or 

more of monthly income on housing expenses, and the state had 11 percent of children under age six with no 

resident parent in the labor force.

Notes: This table presents the percentage of children under age 18 living in families spending 30 percent or more 

of monthly income on housing expenses and the percentage of children under age six whose resident parents were 

not in the civilian labor force. Estimates suppressed when the confidence interval around the percentage is greater 

than or equal to 10 percentage points.

Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Retrieved from http://datacenter.kidscount.org/.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 7

References

Brumley, B., Fantuzzo, J., Perlman, S., & Zager, M. L. (2015). The unique relations between early 

homelessness and educational well---being: An empirical test of the continuum of risk hypothesis. 

Children and Youth Services Review, 48: 31---37. Retrieved from 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4283848/

Haskett, M. E., Armstrong, J., & Tisdale, J. (2015). Developmental status and social---emotional 

functioning of young children experiencing homelessness. Early Childhood Education Journal, 44: 

119---125. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10643-015-0691-8

Perlman, S.M. & Fantuzzo, J.W. (2010). Timing and influence of early experiences of child 

maltreatment and homelessness on children’s educational well-being. Children and Youth 

Services Review, 32(6): 874---883. Retrieved from 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190740910000502

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child. (2007). The Timing and Quality of Early 

Experiences Combine to Shape Brain Architecture: Working Paper No. 5. Retrieved from

https://www.developingchild.harvard.edu

U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of Age 

and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010, to July 1, 2019. Retrieved from

https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2010s-state-detail.html

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2020). 2018 annual homeless assessment 

report, part 2: Estimates of homelessness in the U.S. Retrieved from 

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2018-AHAR-Part-2.pdf
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: National (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

23,751,419 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

1,297,513

or

1in 18children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

8%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

58,725 , 

5% 67,940 , 

5%

1,170,848 , 

90%

National 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 8 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Alabama (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

353,925 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

15,508

or

1in 23children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities.

26%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

11%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

3% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

374 , 2% 91 , 1%

15,043 , 

97%

Alabama 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 9 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Alaska (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

61,494 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

3,381

or

1in 18children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

25%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

13% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

350 , 10%

96 , 3%

2,935 , 

87%

Alaska 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 10 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Arizona (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

520,646 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

20,233

or

1in 26children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

29%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

10%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

965 , 5% 110 , 1%

19,158 , 

95%

Arizona 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 11 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Arkansas (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

226,868 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

13,236

or

1in 17children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

26%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

10%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

702 , 5% 505 , 4%

12,029 , 

91%

Arkansas 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 12 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: California (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

2,877,174 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

261,323

or

1in 11children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

42%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

4,818 , 

2% 14,135 , 

5%

242,370 , 

93%

California 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 13 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Colorado (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

400,671 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

20,038

or

1in 20children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

30%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

5%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

1,232 , 

6%

1,097 , 

5%

17,709 , 

88%

Colorado 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 14 

 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Connecticut (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

219,776

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

4,403

or

1in 50children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

35%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

13% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

 

451 , 10% 115 , 3%

3,837 , 

87%

Connecticut 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 15 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Delaware (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

65,825 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

3,435

or

1in 19children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

33%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

68 , 2% 170 , 5%

3,197 , 

93%

Delaware 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 16 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: District of Columbia (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

53,330 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

5,337

or

1in 10children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

37% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

S of children under age 

six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

24% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

619 , 12%

681 , 13%

4,037 , 

76%

District of Columbia

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 17 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Florida (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

1,373,213 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

85,985

or

1in 16children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

37% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

2,407 , 

3% 2,212 , 

3%

81,366 , 

95%

Florida 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 18 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Georgia (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

791,581 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

36,796

or

1in 22children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

30%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

8%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,060 , 

3% 547 , 1%

35,189 , 

96%

Georgia 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 19 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Hawaii (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

102,773 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

3,429

or

1in 30children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

35%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

10%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

228 , 7% 64 , 2%

3,137 , 

91%

Hawaii 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 20 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Idaho (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

140,265 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

7,471

or

1in 19children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

4%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

13% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

546 , 7%

421 , 6%

6,504 , 

87%

Idaho 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 21 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Illinois (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

899,185 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

51,329

or

1in 18children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

29%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

2,605 , 

5% 2,768 , 

5%

45,956 , 

90%

Illinois 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 22 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Indiana (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

504,458 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

17,429

or

1in 29children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

22%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,113 , 

6% 202 , 1%

16,114 , 

92%

Indiana 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 23 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Iowa (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

236,020

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

6,918

or

1in 34children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

19%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

5%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

664 , 10%

66 , 1%

6,188 , 

89%

Iowa 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 24 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Kansas (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

224,162 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

7,826

or

1in 29children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

22%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

20% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 25 

858 , 11%

725 , 9%

6,243 , 

80%

Kansas 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Kentucky (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

328,266 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

22,424

or

1in 15children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

25%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

11%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,022 , 

5% 482 , 2%

20,920 , 

93%

Kentucky 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 26 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Louisiana (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

363,049 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

15,825

or

1in 23children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

13%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

894 , 6%

772 , 5%

14,159 , 

89%

Louisiana 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 27 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Maine (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

76,842

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

2,430

or

1in 32children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

22%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

317 , 13% 21 , 1%

2,092 , 

86%

Maine 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 28 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Maryland (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

435,183 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

14,862

or

1in 29children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

625 , 4% 616 , 4%

13,621 , 

92%

Maryland 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 29 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Massachusetts (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

430,159 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

23,233

or

1in 19children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,521 , 

7%

1,668 , 

7%

20,044 , 

86%

Massachusetts 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 30 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Michigan (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

683,798 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

32,743

or

1in 21children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

25%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

8%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,986 , 

6%

1,824 , 

6%

28,933 , 

88%

Michigan 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 31 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Minnesota (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

424,820 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

15,946

or

1in 27children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

21% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

4%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

15% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,194 , 

7%

1,156 , 

7%

13,596 , 

85%

Minnesota 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 32 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Mississippi (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

220,890 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

6,709

or

1in 33children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

11%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

3% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

174 , 3% 49 , 1%

6,486 , 

97%

Mississippi 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 33 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Missouri (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

444,058 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

32,340

or

1in 14children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

23%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,221 , 

4% 273 , 1%

30,846 , 

95%

Missouri 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 34 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Montana (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

74,016 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

4,032

or

1in 18children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

30% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

843 , 21%

366 , 9%

2,823 , 

70%

Montana 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 35 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Nebraska (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

157,754

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

4,072

or

1in 39children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in their 

communities. 

 

21% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

5%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

15% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

444 , 11%

152 , 4%

3,476 , 

85%

Nebraska 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 36 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Nevada (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

223,663 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

17,531

or

1in 13children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

33%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

8%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

636 , 4% 922 , 5%

15,973 , 

91%

Nevada 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 37 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: New Hampshire (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

76,875 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

3,812

or

1in 20children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

256 , 7% 76 , 2%

3,480 , 

91%

New Hampshire 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 38 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: New Jersey (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

619,743

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

12,942

or

1in 48children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

36%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,029 , 

8%

566 , 4%

11,347 , 

88%

New Jersey 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 39 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: New Mexico (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

146,923 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

10,788 

or

1in 14children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

26%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

14%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

369 , 3% 208 , 2%

10,211 , 

95%

New Mexico 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 40 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: New York (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

1,350,416 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

136,550

or

1in 10children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

38%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

3,447 , 

3% 8,184 , 

6%

124,919 , 

91%

New York 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 41 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: North Carolina (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

734,550 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

32,189

or

1in 23children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,614 , 

5%

1,025 , 

3%

29,550 , 

92%

North Carolina 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 42 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: North Dakota (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

64,724 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

2,426

or

1in 27children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

18% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

5%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

227 , 9%

115 , 5%

2,084 , 

86%

North Dakota 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 43 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Ohio (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

833,142 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

31,207

or

1in 27children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

25%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

17% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

2,126 , 

7% 3,262 , 

10%

25,819 , 

83%

Ohio 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 44 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Oklahoma (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

308,973 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

21,294

or

1in 15children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

25%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,237 , 

6%

567 , 3%

19,490 , 

92%

Oklahoma 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 45 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Oregon (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

276,001 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

21,512

or

1in 13children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in their 

communities. 

 

32%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

20% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

2,860 , 

13% 1,507 , 

7%

17,145 , 

80%

Oregon 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 46 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Pennsylvania (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

842,742

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

29,995

or

1in 28children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

36% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

2,690 , 

9%

8,251 , 

28%

19,054 , 

64%

Pennsylvania 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 47 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Puerto Rico (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

146,455

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

4,528

or

1in 32children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

29%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

28%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

390 , 9%

60 , 1%

4,078 , 

90%

Puerto Rico 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 48 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Rhode Island (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

65,457

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

1,409

or

1in 46children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

35%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

10%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

124 , 9%

31 , 2%

1,254 , 

89%

Rhode Island 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 49 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: South Carolina (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

353,082 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

11,747

or

1in 30children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

9%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

493 , 4%

898 , 8%

10,356 , 

88%

South Carolina 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 50 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: South Dakota (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

73,567

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

1,796

or

1in 41children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

20%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

8%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

57% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

682 , 38%

339 , 19%

775 , 43%

South Dakota 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 51 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Tennessee (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

491,248

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

18,692

or

1in 26children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

29%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

11%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

985 , 5% 257 , 1%

17,450 , 

93%

Tennessee 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 52 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Texas (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

2,406,755 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

101,583

or

1in 24children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

32%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

10%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

3,851 , 

4% 6,364 , 

6%

91,368 , 

90%

Texas 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 53 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Utah (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

299,171 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

13,086

or

1in 23children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

23%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

4%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

660 , 5% 0, 0%

12,426 , 

95%

Utah 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 54 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Vermont (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

35,273

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

909

or

1in 39children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

26%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

40% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

343 , 38%

25 , 3%

541 , 60%

Vermont 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 55 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Virginia (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

608,289

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

19,218

or

1in 32children 

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

29%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

8%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

887 , 5% 900 , 5%

17,431 , 

91%

Virginia 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 56 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Washington (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

550,167 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

37,623

or

1in 15children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

30%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

2,007 , 

5% 1,273 , 

3%

34,343 , 

91%

Washington 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 57 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: West Virginia (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

Children under age 6 

Total population2

112,986 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

9,736

or

1in 12children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

14%of children 

under age six had no 

resident parent in the 

U.S. labor force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

641 , 7%

466 , 5%

8,629 , 

89%

West Virginia 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 58 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Wisconsin (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

398,733 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

16,537

or

1in 24children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

23%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

6%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

17% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

1,673 , 

10% 1,152 , 

7%

13,712 , 

83%

Wisconsin 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 59 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: Wyoming (2018-19) 

Early childhood experiences with homelessness have long lasting impacts on a child’s well-being. Access to educational services can help 

mitigate some of these negative effects.1 Federally-funded early childhood education (ECE) programs are only able to serve a small portion of 

children who experience homelessness. Taking action to mitigate the impacts of early childhood homelessness is critical to ensuring all young 

children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Early Childhood Homelessness

 

Children under age 6 

Total population2

42,283 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3 

1,708

or

1in 25children

Related Factors 

Families experiencing homelessness, whether chronic or episodic, 

often face other barriers to affordable housing. By understanding 

these related challenges, states can create sustainable and 

proactive policy solutions that better address homelessness in 

their communities. 

 

20%of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

7%of children under 

age six had no resident 

parent in the U.S. labor 

force4

Early Childhood Education 

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6 

experiencing homelessness 

18% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20195

197 , 12%

108 , 6%

1,403 , 

82%

Wyoming 

 Head

Start/Early

Head Start

 McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Data Officer 60 

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, and 

methodology, please see Appendix III. 

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2012). When the 

bough breaks: The effects of homelessness on young children. Early 

Childhood Highlights, p. 3. https://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/

uploads/2012/02/2012-08EffectHomelessnessChildren.pdf

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-

AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year of 

Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 

2019. https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/

popest/2010s-state-detail.html 

3. Calculations by authors using methodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2019 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT data center. 

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports, Part I and U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved July 23 2020. 

Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 experiencing 

homelessness served through Federally-funded child care & home visiting 

programs collected for the first time in 2017. Percentages in the pie chart 

may not sum to 100 because of rounding. 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19

U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 61

Appendix I: Data Sources and Methodology

Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles: 2018-19 compiles data from multiple sources to 

provide policymakers and practitioners with information on the extent of early childhood 

homelessness and the availability of federally funded early childhood education for young 

children experiencing homelessness across the United States. It also includes information about 

related economic factors that create barriers to stable, affordable housing for families.

Data Sources

All data contained in this report are publicly available. Unless otherwise noted in the Methodology 

section below, data are from 2018 to 201921

21 Data from the KIDS COUNT Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau are reported for the calendar year 

rather than for the school year.

and refer specifically to children under the age of six. 

Data for the profiles were drawn from the following sources:

The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Children living in households with a high 

housing cost burden. Retrieved national data from https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/7244-

children-living-in-households-with-a-high-housing-costburden#detailed/1/any/false/37,871,870,573,869,36,868,867,133,38/any/14287,14288, state data from

https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/7244-children-living-in-households-with-a-high-housing-costburden#detailed/2/2-53/false/37,871,870,573,869,36,868,867,133,38/any/14287,14288

The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. Children under age six with no resident 

parent in the labor force in the United States. Retrieved national data from

https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/5056-children-under-age-6-with-no-parent-in-the-laborforce?loc=1&loct=1#detailed/1/any/false/37,871,870,573,869,36,868,867,133,38/any/11470,11471, state 

data from https://datacenter.kidscount.org/data/tables/5056-children-under-age-6-with-no-parent-in-thelabor-force?loc=1&loct=1#detailed/2/2-53/false/37,871,870,573,869,36,868,867,133,38/any/11470,11471

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. Annual Estimates of the Civilian Population by Single Year 

of Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010, to July 1, 2019. Retrieved from

https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2010s-state-detail.html

U.S. Department of Education. Homeless children and youth served by McKinney---Vento subgrants------

Ages birth through 2: from 2018-19. To request data files, contact EDFacts Support: 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/edfacts/eden/contacts.html
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U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 62

U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or 

without McKinney---Vento subgrants --- Total: 2018-19. To request data files, contact EDFacts

Support: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/edfacts/eden/contacts.html

U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or 

without McKinney---Vento subgrants --- Ages 3 to 5: 2018-19. To request data files, contact 

EDFacts Support: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/edfacts/eden/contacts.html

U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students served by McKinney--- Vento 

subgrants --- Ages 3 to 5: 2018-19. To request data files, contact EDFacts Support: 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/edfacts/eden/contacts.html

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office 

of Head Start. (2019). Program information report: Total number of children experiencing 

homelessness that were served during the enrollment year. To request data files, contact the 

Office of Head Start: https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs

Methodology

This report follows five previous volumes of the Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles

prepared by HHS (January 2016 & June 201722

22 The 2016 and 2017 reports prepared by ACF are no longer available online.

) and by ED (December 2018,

23

23 2018 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessness-stateprofiles.pdf

June 2019,

24

24 2019 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessness-stateprofiles-2019.pdf

 & 

February 202025

25 2020 Report: https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessness-stateprofiles-2020.pdf

). In each volume, reported data was gathered from the data sources outlined 

above, or calculated using previously established strategies. The following sections provide 

additional detail about the methodology for each variable reported in the profiles.

Early Childhood Homelessness

The number of children under age six in each state was calculated using single year of age 

population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimate Program.26

26 U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2020). SC-EST2019-AGESEX-CIV: Annual Estimates of the Civilian 

Population by Single Year of Age and Sex for the United States and States: April 1, 2010, to July 1, 2019. 

https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2010s-state-detail.html
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There are few existing estimates of the number of children under age six experiencing 

homelessness in the United States, and existing estimates may significantly underestimate this 

population. Data from ED’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program are among the 

most comprehensive sources of data on children under 18 experiencing homelessness in the 

United States because state and local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to identify and 

report the number of children who are experiencing homelessness in their service areas.

However, these data may not include all children experiencing homelessness under age three, 

and they most commonly refer to children in the LEA-administered early childhood programs. 

Thus, these numbers could underestimate at a statistically significant level the prevalence of 

homelessness in the early childhood period.

To better estimate the total population of children under age six who experience homelessness, 

the state profiles adopt the methodology used by the National Center for Family Homelessness 

in America’s Youngest Outcasts: A Report Card on Child Homelessness27

27 https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/downloads/report/Americas-Youngest-Outcasts-Child-HomelessnessNov2014.pdf

(Bassuk et al., 2014). 

Broadly speaking, this methodology leverages ED’s comprehensive data on the number of 

children in grades K-12 experiencing homelessness to estimate early childhood homelessness.

This research estimated that about half (49.2 percent) of all children experiencing sheltered 

homelessness in 2018 were under age six (HUD, 2020).28

28 The January 2016 edition of the state profiles estimated that 51 percent of all children experiencing

homelessness are under age 6 based on data using different research. Thus, the data presented in the 

2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 editions of the state profiles should not be directly compared with data in the 

January 2016 report.

This methodology assumes that ED’s 

count of children in grades K-12 experiencing homelessness represents 50.8 percent of the 

overall population of children experiencing homelessness. The calculation uses this proportion 

to estimate the number of children under age six experiencing homelessness nationally and in 

each state.

For example, for 2018-19, ED’s data demonstrate that 1,339,709 children in grades K---12 

experienced homelessness nationwide in 2018-19. This figure does not include children ages 

three to five who are enrolled in public preschool, but who are not yet in kindergarten.

The number of children in grades K---12 experiencing homelessness is divided by .508 to 

estimate the total number of children under age 18 experiencing homelessness nationwide:

1,297,513/.508 = 2,637,222
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We then multiply this estimate of the total number of children experiencing homelessness by 

.492 to approximate the number of children under age six experiencing homelessness 

nationwide in 2018–19: 

2,637,222 x .492 = 1,297,513

While data calculated using this Bassuk et al. (2014) model comes closer to conveying the 

extent of early childhood homelessness than some other estimates, it should be viewed as 

conservative. Bassuk and colleagues outline several limitations that suggest the estimates 

remain an undercount. While all school districts are required to report data on the enrollment 

of children experiencing homelessness to the Federal government, not all school districts are 

able to provide them. Where data is available, stigma or embarrassment surrounding 

homelessness may discourage some children and families from sharing their housing status 

with their local school. Further, the ED data only represents children who are enrolled in public 

schools.

To calculate the portion of children under age six experiencing homelessness in each state, the 

estimated number of children under age six experiencing homelessness is divided by the total 

population of children under age six in each state.

Early Childhood Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness

The number of young children and families experiencing homelessness enrolled in Head 

Start/Early Head Start, including the Migrant and American Indian and Alaska Native programs, 

is reported each year to the Office of Head Start directly by Head Start grantees. These figures 

are available online through the Head Start Program Information Report database and 

represent a full program year. The national estimate of children experiencing homelessness 

served by Head Start/Early Head Start includes programs in U.S. territories.

The number of young children served by McKinney---Vento subgrants to school districts is 

collected through the Consolidated State Performance Report, Part I. Data on the number of 

children served by a McKinney---Vento subgrant is submitted by school districts and includes 

children under age six. Estimates of the number of children served are likely conservative 

because some states do not require school districts to report data on the number of children 

under age three who are served by McKinney---Vento subgrants.

To calculate the portion of children under age six experiencing homelessness that are served by 

federally funded early childhood education (ECE) programs, we added the number served by 

Head Start programs and McKinney---Vento subgrants and divided by the estimated number of 

children under age six experiencing homelessness, rounding to the nearest percentage point. 

We then used the proportion of children served to estimate the proportion of children not 

served by either of the programs. It is possible that this total includes some duplicates (children 
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U.S. Department of Education Office of the Chief Data Officer | 65

served by both programs), though we would expect duplicates to be relatively few because 

LEAs comprise a minority of Head Start grantees nationwide.

These estimates do not account for young children experiencing homelessness served through 

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF, subsidized child care) and the Individuals with 

Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C, and IDEA’s Part B section 619 programs (early 

intervention, special education, and related services for infants, toddlers, and preschool 

children with disabilities) because these data are not currently available but will be collected in 

future years. We expect that the CCDF program will begin reporting data on the number of 

young children experiencing homelessness served in future years; integrating these data into 

future reports will further refine estimates of the proportion of children served and not served 

by federally funded early care and education programs.

Related Factors 

Data for the Related Factors section were drawn directly from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 

KIDS COUNT Data Center.

The percentage of families experiencing a high housing cost burden includes all families with a 

child under age 18. A high housing cost burden is defined as a family that spends 30 percent or 

more of monthly income on housing costs.

The percentage of children under age six with no parent in the U.S. labor force is defined as the

percentage of young children under age six whose resident parents are not in the civilian labor

force.

References

Bassuk, E. L., DeCandia, C. J., Beach, C. A., & Berman, F. (2014). America’s youngest outcasts: A 

report card on child homelessness. Newton Centre, MA: American Institutes for Research.

Retrieved from: https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/downloads/report/Americas-YoungestOutcasts-Child-Homelessness-Nov2014.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (2020). 2018 annual homeless 

assessment report, part 2: Estimates of homelessness in the U.S. Retrieved from 

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2018-AHAR-Part-2.pdf
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Appendix II: Federal Definitions of Homelessness

Homelessness is defined in different ways depending on the respective Federal law. Below are 

Federal definitions and key terms that are used when talking about “homeless children and 

youths.” 

McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act Definition of “Homeless Children and 

Youths” 

Federal programs operated under the following laws use the McKinney---Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act definition of “homeless children and youths” found in section 725(2) of the Act 

(42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2)), to determine services for homeless children, including:

• the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,

• the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and 

• the Head Start Act.

Under section 725(2) of the Act (42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2)), the term “homeless children and 

youths”— 

A. means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (within 

the meaning of section 103(a)(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act); and

B. includes— 

i. children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of 

housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, 

trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate 

accommodations; are living in emergencyor transitional shelters; or are 

abandoned in hospitals;29

29 “Awaiting foster care placement” was deleted from the definition of “homeless children and youths” during 

reauthorization of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act in 2015. For “covered” tates (i.e., those that 

have a statutory law that defines or describes the phrase “awaiting foster care placement” for purposes of a 

program under Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act), the effective date for this 

change was December 10, 2017. For non-covered states, the effective date for this change was December 10, 

2016.

ii. children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or 

private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping 

accommodation for human beings (within the meaning of section 103(a)(2)(C) of 

the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act);
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iii. children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned 

buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and 

iv. migratory children (as such term is defined in section 1309 of the Elementary 

and Secondary Education Act of 1965) who qualify as homeless for the purposes 

of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described in 

clauses (i) through (iii).

Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 

(“HEARTH Act”) Definition of “Homeless”

Among other things, the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act

of 2009 modified the definition of “homeless” used by the U.S. Department of Housing and 

Urban Development (HUD). See 42 U.S.C. § 11302. The current definition of “homeless” used by 

HUD, as reflected in 24 C.F.R. § 583.5, is:

1) An individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence,

meaning:

i) An individual or family with a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private 

place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for 

human beings, including a car, park, abandoned building, bus or train station, 

airport, or camping ground; 

ii) An individual or family living in a supervised publicly or privately-operated shelter 

designated to provide temporary living arrangements (including congregate shelters, 

transitional, and hotels and motels paid for by charitable organizations or by 

Federal, state, or local government programs for low---income individuals); or

iii) An individual who is exiting an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less 

and who resided in an emergency shelter or place not meant for human habitation 

immediately before entering that institution; 

2) An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence, 

provided that: 

i) The primary nighttime residence will be lost within 14 days of the date of application 

for homeless assistance;

ii) No subsequent residence has been identified; and

iii) The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, 

faith--- based, or other social networks, needed to obtain other permanent housing; 
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3) Unaccompanied youth under 25 years of age, or families with children and youth, who 

do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who: 

i) Are defined as homeless under section 387 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act

(42 U.S.C. § 5732a), section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. § 9832), section 

41403 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. § 14043e---2), section 

330(h) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. § 254b(h)), section 3 of the Food 

and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. § 2012), section 17(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 

1966 (42 U.S.C. § 1786(b)), or section 725 of the McKinney--Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11434a);

ii) Have not had a lease, ownership interest, or occupancy agreement in permanent 

housing at any time during the 60 days immediately preceding the date of 

application for homeless assistance;

iii) Have experienced persistent instability as measured by two moves or more during 

the 60--- day period immediately preceding the date of applying for homeless 

assistance; and

iv) Can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time because 

of chronic disabilities, chronic physical health or mental health conditions, substance 

addiction, histories of domestic violence or childhood abuse (including neglect), the 

presence of a child or youth with a disability, or two or more barriers to 

employment, which include the lack of a high school degree or General Education 

Development (GED), illiteracy, low English proficiency, a history of incarceration or 

detention for criminal activity, and a history of unstable employment; or

4) Any individual or family who: 

i) Is fleeing, or is attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, 

stalking, or other dangerous or life---threatening conditions that relate to violence 

against the individual or a family member, including a child, that has either taken 

place within the individual's or family's primary nighttime residence or has made the 

individual or family afraid to return to their primary nighttime residence;

ii) Has no other residence; and 

iii) Lacks the resources or support networks, e.g., family, friends, and faith---based, or 

other social networks, to obtain other permanent housing. 
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Appendix III: Federally Funded Early Childhood Programs

Head Start

https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/

Head Start, administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through 

the Office of Head Start at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is a 

comprehensive child development program that serves children from birth to age five, 

pregnant women, and their families. It is a child---focused, multi---generational program with the 

overall goal of increasing the school readiness of young children in low---income families. The 

children of families experiencing homelessness are categorically eligible for Head Start and are 

identified and prioritized for enrollment.

Head Start and Early Head Start provide children and their families with services related to 

education; nutrition; developmental, medical, and dental screenings; immunizations; mental 

health and social services referrals; family engagement; and in some cases transportation. Head 

Start was reauthorized by the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act of 2007 (Public 

Law 110---134). In this reauthorization, age---eligible children whose families are determined to be 

homeless are categorically eligible for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Many Head 

Start grantees serve families experiencing homelessness through home---based and center---based 

programs, both of which provide many supportive services to children and families regardless 

of their living circumstances.

Child Care and Development Fund

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/occ/data-0

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), administered by HHS through the Office of Child 

Care (OCC) at the ACF, awards grants to states, territories, and tribes to provide child care 

subsidies for low-income working families and to fund quality improvement activities such as 

professional development for child care providers. Subsidized child care services are available 

to eligible families through certificates (vouchers), or grants and contracts with providers. 

Approximately 1.3 million children receive a child care subsidy from the CCDF program every 

month. As a block grant, this program offers states, territories, and tribes significant flexibility 

in designing their CCDF policies, including the ability to define eligibility and prioritize 

resources. OCC encourages states to leverage this flexibility to offer access to the most 

vulnerable populations, including families experiencing homelessness.

On November 19, 2014, the President signed into law the Child Care and Development Block 

Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014, which reauthorized the CCDF. This reauthorization of CCDF 
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included significant changes in defining health and safety requirements for child care providers, 

outlining family---friendly eligibility policies, expanding quality improvement efforts, and 

ensuring parents and the public have transparent information about the child care choices 

available to them. One of these changes required states to report whether children receiving 

CCDF assistance are children experiencing homelessness, using the McKinney---Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act definition of homelessness.

30

30 While the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act implemented by the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services relies on the McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition of “homeless children and 

youths” found in section 725(2) of the Act (42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2))), the Child Care and Development Fund 

(CCDF) regulations also require its Lead Agencies to use the McKinney-Vento definition. 

Collecting this data will be important for tracking 

performance on serving children and families who are experiencing homelessness.

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting

https://mchb.hrsa.gov/maternal-child-health-initiatives/home-visiting-overview

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, administered by 

the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in partnership with the ACF, supports 

voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs for at-risk pregnant women and parents 

with children up to kindergarten entry. The MIECHV program was initially created in 2010 under 

the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148) and provides grants to 

states, tribes, and territories to establish programs that:

• Improve maternal and child health

• Prevent child abuse and neglect

• Promote positive parenting

• Support child development

These aims are achieved through regular meetings between a family and a trained professional 

or paraprofessional in the family’s home. In FY 2018, the MIECHV Program served all 50 states, 

the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. Among the 55 awardees with available data, 

the Program served approximately 150,000 parents and children. In FY 2018, MIECHV awardees 

reported serving 2,261 adult participants experiencing homelessness. This accounts for 

approximately 3 percent of all adult participants served.

In 2019 HRSA awarded approximately $351 million in funding to 56 states, territories, and 

nonprofit organizations. Awardees must invest the majority of funds received to implement
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evidence-based home visiting models with up to 25 percent of funding available to support the 

implementation and evaluation of promising approaches.

The Education for Homeless Children and Youths program under the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/homeless/index.html

Subtitle VII-B of the McKinney--- Vento Homeless Assistance Act offers support for states, tribes, 

and outlying areas to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal 

access to a free and appropriate public education. The McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance 

Act was initially passed in 1987 and was most recently amended through the Every Student 

Succeeds Act in 2015. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). 

In 2018–19, the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program received $85 million in

Federal funding. Each year, ED allocates formula grants to states based on their share of Title I, 

Part A; the Bureau of Indian Affairs and outlying areas also receive funds. In turn, each state 

must distribute at least 75 percent31

31 Under section 722(e)(1) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. § 11432(e)(1)), states 

funded at the minimum level must distribute not less than 50 percent in subgrants to LEAs.

of its grant to local educational agencies (LEAs) to 

facilitate educational success for children and youth experiencing homelessness through a 

competitive subgrant process.

LEAs may use subgrant funds for activities such as collaboration with other local entities and 

resolving challenges related to transportation, school records, and residency requirements. In 

each state, program funds also support a coordination office to monitor the needs of children 

and youth experiencing homelessness.32

32 For more information, see: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/homeless/ehcyprogramprofile.pdf. 
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www.ed.gov