Early Childhood Homelessness    

State Profiles 2018 	 	
   
   

Early Childhood Homelessness   

State Profiles 2018

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

Policy and Program Studies Service

Prepared by:

Amy Yamashiro

Jean Yan

John McLaughlin

U.S. Department of Education

2018   
   

The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the positions or policies of the Department of

Education. No official endorsement by the U.S. Department of Education of any product, commodity,

service, or enterprise mentioned in this publication is intended or should be inferred. For the reader’s

convenience, 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

Betsy DeVos

Secretary

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

James Blew   

Assistant Secretary

Policy and Program Studies Service

Gregory Fortelny

Director

December 2018

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: U.S. Department of

Education, Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development, Policy and Program Studies Service,

Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018, Washington, DC, 2018.

This report is available on the Department’s website at:

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

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Content Contact:

Amy Yamashiro

Phone: 202‐453‐5577

Email: amy.yamashiro@ed.gov
iii

   

Contents

List of Exhibitsv

Introduction1

National Findings2

State Findings3

References6

Profiles

National7

Alabama8

Alaska9

Arizona 10

Arkansas 11

California 12

Colorado 13

Connecticut 14

Delaware 15

District of Columbia 16

Florida 17

Georgia 18

Hawaii 19

Idaho 20

Illinois 21

Indiana 22

Iowa 23

Kansas 24

Kentucky 25

Louisiana 26

Maine 27

Maryland 28

Massachusetts 29

Michigan 30

Minnesota 31

Mississippi 32

Missouri 33

Montana 34

Nebraska 35

Nevada 36

New Hampshire 37

New Jersey 38
iv

   

New Mexico 39

New York 40

North Carolina 41

North Dakota 42

Ohio 43

Oklahoma 44

Oregon 45

Pennsylvania 46

Puerto Rico 47

Rhode Island 48

South Carolina 49

South Dakota 50

Tennessee 51

Texas 52

Utah 53

Vermont 54

Virginia 55

Washington 56

West Virginia 57

Wisconsin 58

Wyoming 59

Appendix I: Data Sources and Methodology 60

Data Sources 60

Methodology 61

Early Childhood Homelessness 61

Early Childhood Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness 63

Related Factors 63

References 64

Appendix II: Federal Definitions of Homelessness 65

McKinney‐Vento Homeless Assistance Act Definition 65

HEARTH Act Definition 67

Appendix III: Federally Funded Early Childhood Programs 69

Head Start 69

Child Care Development Fund 69

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting 70

McKinney‐Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act 71

   
v

   

List of Exhibits

Exhibit 1:    Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness in 2015—2016 3

Exhibit 2:    Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness and Served by Federally

Funded Early Childhood Education Programs in 2015—2016 4

Exhibit 3:    Related Factors Affecting Children Experiencing Homelessness in 2015—2016 5

   
vi

   

   
1   

Introduction

Homelessness is a reality for many families with young children in the United States. In 2016,

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

of children served by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) ‐‐funded

emergency and transitional housing providers were age five or younger (HUD, 2017).

Furthermore, children under the age of one comprise less than six percent of the overall child

population in the United States and just under ten percent of the child population served by

HUD‐‐‐funded shelters (U.S. Census Bureau, 2017; HUD, 2017). Moreover, in 2015—2016, more

than 1.25 million young children age birth through five were reported as served by the early

childhood and homeless education programs administered by the U.S. Departments of

Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS).

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

the development of his or her brain structure. According to the Center on the Developing Child

at Harvard University, 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). 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).

Experiences of homelessness in early childhood are associated with poor early development

and educational well‐‐‐being. Experiences of homelessness during infancy and toddlerhood are

associated with poor academic achievement and engagement in elementary school (Perlman &

Fantuzzo, 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, Fantuzzo, Perlman, & Zager, 2015). These findings

underscore the importance of ensuring that young children who experience homelessness have

access to evidenced‐based and promising practices that are critical to improving the long‐‐‐term

educational outcomes of children nationwide.

This 2018 report updates the annual Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles and provides

a snapshot of early childhood data available for children who are experiencing homelessness in

each state, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It includes publicly available data for

2015—2016 from the U.S. Census Bureau (Census), U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), U.S. Department of Health and Human

Services (HHS), and the Annie E. Casey Foundation and reports the following by state:

 Total population under age six in 2016

 Estimated number of children under age six experiencing homelessness in 2015—2016
2   

 Estimated extent of homelessness (e.g., one‐in‐[X] children under age six experienced

homelessness in 2015—2016)   

 Estimated enrollment of children under age six in federally‐‐‐funded early childhood

programs (i.e., Head Start1 and school districts receiving McKinney‐Vento Homeless

Assistance Act (McKinney‐Vento Act)2 subgrants) in 2015—2016.   

As in previous profiles, the 2018 report includes two indicators referred to as related factors.

These factors are 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 low‐‐‐income working families with young children under age six (defined as having at least

one parent working 50 weeks or more in the prior year and the family income below 200

percent of the federal poverty line). These factors are included because of their relationship to

homelessness and, in particular, to spark dialogue about addressing homelessness for children

under age six. While these data on related factors are not available for U.S. territories, this

report does provide information about the number of children experiencing homelessness

served by Head Start/Early Head Start in these areas.

National Findings

 In 2015—2016, there were 1,260,254, or one‐‐‐in‐‐‐19, children under six years old who

experienced homelessness.

 In 2016, about nine percent of children under age six experiencing homelessness

(108,6773 children) were enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, or programs funded

with McKinney‐‐‐Vento subgrants. This rate does not include state and locally‐‐‐funded

early childhood programs.

 In 2016, 32 percent of families with children under 18 had a high housing cost burden

(defined as spending 30 percent or more of monthly income on housing expenses).

 In 2016, 26 percent of low‐‐‐income working families had children under age six, defined

as families in which at least one parent worked 50 weeks or more in the prior year and

family income is below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Line.

   

                                                             1 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 Administration for Children and Families. Please note that this rate does yet not include

children served by the Child Care and Development Fund, but that such data will be available in future years 2 The Secretary is authorized to make grants to states for the education of children and youth by Title VII‐B of the

McKinney‐Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 3 Note: The 108,677 number may be slightly inflated due to a small number of children who may be receiving

services from both Head Start/Early Head Start and the McKinney‐Vento program.
3   

State Findings

 Over 100,000 children under the age of six experienced homelessness in California, New

York, and Texas and over 35,000 young children experienced homelessness in Florida,

Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Washington.

 In five states or jurisdictions (California, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Nevada, and

New York) at least eight percent of children under age six experienced homelessness.

Exhibit 1.   Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness in 2015—2016

Notes: The estimated numbers and percent of children under age six experiencing homelessness in 2015—2016

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). These

estimates may include a small number of children receiving services from both Head Start/Early Head Start and the

McKinney‐Vento program.

Jurisdiction Number Percent Jurisdiction Number Percent

Alabama          13,668 4 Montana            2,908 4

Alaska            3,665 6 Nebraska            3,314 2

Arizona          23,990 5 Nevada          20,044 9

Arkansas          11,607 5 New Hampshire            3,244 4

California        238,539 8 New Jersey          10,064 2

Colorado          22,289 5 New Mexico            9,754 6

Connecticut            3,641 2 New York        135,952 10

Delaware            3,125 5 North Carolina          25,531 3

District of Columbia            6,063 12 North Dakota            2,160 3

Florida          69,773 5 Ohio          28,477 3

Georgia          37,262 5 Oklahoma          25,441 8

Hawaii            3,671 3 Oregon          22,235 8

Idaho            6,918 5 Pennsylvania          22,434 3

Illinois          49,344 5 Puerto Rico            3,875 2

Indiana          17,300 3 Rhode Island            1,016 2

Iowa            6,561 3 South Carolina          13,695 4

Kansas            8,973 4 South Dakota            1,896 3

Kentucky          26,734 8 Tennessee          14,919 3

Louisiana          19,616 5 Texas        112,033 5

Maine            2,199 3 Utah          14,619 5

Maryland          15,755 4 Vermont            1,063 3

Massachusetts          20,270 5 Virginia          17,992 3

Michigan          37,861 5 Washington          37,895 7

Minnesota          16,029 4 West Virginia            9,026 7

Mississippi            8,992 4 Wisconsin          18,006 4

Missouri          31,121 7 Wyoming            1,574 3

National 1,260,254 5
4   

 Over 5,000 children under age six experiencing homelessness were served by Head

Start/Early Head Start and McKinney‐Vento in California, New York, Oregon,

Pennsylvania, Texas.

 In eight states or jurisdictions (District of Columbia, Maine, Montana, Oregon,

Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming), over 20 percent of children under age

six experiencing homelessness were served by federally funded early childhood

education programs.

Exhibit 2.   Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness and Served by Federally

Funded Early Childhood Education Programs in 2015—2016

Notes: This table presents the numbers and percent of children under age six experiencing homelessness who

were served by Head Start/Early Head Start or by the McKinney‐Vento program in 2015—2016. These estimates

may include a small number of children receiving services from both Head Start/Early Head Start and the

McKinney‐Vento program.

Jurisdiction Number Percent Jurisdiction Number Percent

Alabama 682                5 Montana 801                28

Alaska 443                12 Nebraska 619                19

Arizona 1,223             5 Nevada 1,092             5

Arkansas 1,341             12 New Hampshire 312                10

California 9,093             4 New Jersey 1,135             11

Colorado 2,457             11 New Mexico 709                7

Connecticut 579                16 New York 12,306          9

Delaware 80                   3 North Carolina 2,036             8

District of Columbia 1,892             31 North Dakota 394                18

Florida 2,980             4 Ohio 3,616             13

Georgia 1,599             4 Oklahoma 2,994             12

Hawaii 283                8 Oregon 5,081             23

Idaho 1,000             14 Pennsylvania 5,349             24

Illinois 4,416             9 Puerto Rico 250                6

Indiana 1,355             8 Rhode Island 195                19

Iowa 722                11 South Carolina 1,357             10

Kansas 1,101             12 South Dakota 782                41

Kentucky 1,800             7 Tennessee 846                6

Louisiana 1,568             8 Texas 11,296          10

Maine 467                21 Utah 733                5

Maryland 1,398             9 Vermont 347                33

Massachusetts 2,021             10 Virginia 1,713             10

Michigan 4,033             11 Washington 2,923             8

Minnesota 2,788             17 West Virginia 966                11

Mississippi 361                4 Wisconsin 2,881             16

Missouri 1,923             6 Wyoming 339                22

National 108,677      9
5   

 Nine states or jurisdictions (California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii,

Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, and New York) had one‐third or more children under

age six in low‐income working families.

 Three states or jurisdictions (Idaho, Montana, and Puerto Rico) had one‐third or more

families with children under age 18 who experienced a high housing cost burden.

Exhibit 3. Related Factors Affecting Children Experiencing Homelessness in 2015—2016

Notes: This table presents the percent of children under age 18 who lived in households with a high housing cost

burden in 2016 (Housing) which was defined as spending 30 percent or more of monthly income on housing

expenses.4 It also presents the percent of children under age six in low‐income working families (Income) defined

as having at least one parent working 50 weeks or more in the prior year and the family income below 200 percent

of the federal poverty line.5

                                                             4 The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. (2016). Children living in households with a high

housing cost burden [Data set]. Retrieved fromhttp://datacenter.kidscount.org/. 5 The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. (2016). Children in low‐‐‐income working families by age

group. [Data set]. Retrieved fromhttp://datacenter.kidscount.org/.

Jurisdiction Housing Income Jurisdiction Housing Income

Alabama 27 28 Montana 24 33

Alaska 28 18 Nebraska 22 27

Arizona 32 30 Nevada 34 29

Arkansas 26 31 New Hampshire 25 16

California 44 25 New Jersey 39 21

Colorado 31 22 New Mexico 32 32

Connecticut 34 20 New York 40 24

Delaware 32 27 North Carolina 28 30

District of Columbia 36 15 North Dakota 19 21

Florida 39 31 Ohio 25 25

Georgia 32 30 Oklahoma 26 31

Hawaii 40 19 Oregon 32 25

Idaho 23 33 Pennsylvania 29 22

Illinois 31 24 Puerto Rico 27 38

Indiana 24 28 Rhode Island 32 20

Iowa 20 23 South Carolina 28 30

Kansas 21 30 South Dakota 20 25

Kentucky 26 29 Tennessee 28 30

Louisiana 31 27 Texas 31 31

Maine 27 23 Utah 24 27

Maryland 33 18 Vermont 30 21

Massachusetts 31 15 Virginia 30 18

Michigan 26 26 Washington 31 23

Minnesota 22 21 West Virginia 23 27

Mississippi 28 30 Wisconsin 25 24

Missouri 24 28 Wyoming 20 23

National 32 26
6   

The early childhood homelessness state profiles are intended to provide information for local,

state, and federal conversations and planning.

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.

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.

Perlman, S.M. & Fantuzzo, J.W. (2010). Timing and impact of homelessness and maltreatment

on school readiness. Children and Youth Services Review, 32: 874‐‐‐883

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

Experiences Combine to Shape Brain Architecture: Working Paper #5.

http.www.developingchild.net   

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017). SC‐EST2016‐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, 2016.

https://www2.census.gov/programs‐surveys/popest/technical‐documentation/file‐layouts/201

0‐2016/sc‐est2016‐agesex‐civ.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2017). 2016 annual homeless assessment

report, part 2: Estimates of homelessness in the U.S. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development.

                                                                                                                                                                                               
Early Childhood Homelessness: National (2015-2016) 

U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 7 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

26% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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. 

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

23,959,552

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,260,254

or

1in 19children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 8 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Alabama (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

28% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

351,978

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

13,668

or

1in 26children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 9 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Alaska (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). Program Information Reports. Data on children under 6 

experiencing homelessnessserved through federallyfunded child care& 

home visiting programs will be collected for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

18% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

28% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

65,445

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,665

or

1in 18children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 10 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Arizona (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

526,448

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

23,990

or

1in 22children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 11 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Arkansas (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

31% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

26% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

229,000

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

11,607

or

1in 20children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 12 

Early Childhood Homelessness: California (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

25% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

44% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

2,996,726

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

238,539

or

1in 13children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 13 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Colorado (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

22% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

406,528

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

22,289

or

1in 18children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 14 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Connecticut (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

20% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

34% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

16% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

224,135

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,641

or

1in 62children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 15 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Delaware (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

27% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

3% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

66,285

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,125

or

1in 21children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 16 

Early Childhood Homelessness: District of Columbia (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

15% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

36% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

31% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

51,957

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

6,063

or

1in 9children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 17 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Florida (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

31% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

39% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

1,353,098

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

69,773

or

1in 19children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 18 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Georgia (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

796,791

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

37,262

or

1in 21children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 19 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Hawaii (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

19% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

40% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

109,887

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,671

or

1in 30children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 20 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Idaho (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

33% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

23% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

138,581

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

6,918

or

1in 20children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 21 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Illinois (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

24% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

929,954

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

49,344

or

1in 19children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 22 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Indiana (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

28% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

506,761

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

17,300

or

1in 29children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 23 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Iowa (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

23% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

20% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

238,520

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

6,561

or

1in 36children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 24 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Kansas (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

21% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

234,248

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

8,973

or

1in 26children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 25 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Kentucky (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

29% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

26% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

330,578

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

26,734

or

1in 12children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 26 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Louisiana (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

27% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

372,069

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

19,616

or

1in 19children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 27 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Maine (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

23% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

21% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

78,093

Estimated number

experiencing homelessness3

2,199

or

1in 36children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 28 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Maryland (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

18% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

33% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

442,708

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

15,755

or

1in 28children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 29 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Massachusetts (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

15% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

435,331

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

20,270

or

1in 21children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 30 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Michigan (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

26% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

26% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

690,184

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

37,861

or

1in 18children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 31 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Minnesota (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

21% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

22% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

17% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

423,100

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

16,029

or

1in 26children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 32 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Mississippi (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

28% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

227,284

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

8,992

or

1in 25children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 33 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Missouri (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

28% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

6% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

449,240

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

31,121

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 34 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Montana (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

33% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

28% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

75,340

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

2,908

or

1in 26children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 35 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Nebraska (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

27% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

22% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

19% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

158,814

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,314

or

1in 48children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 36 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Nevada (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

29% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

34% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

 

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

 

Children under age 6

 

Total population2

221,541

 Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

20,044

or

1in 11children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 37 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New Hampshire (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

16% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

25% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

77,858

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,244

or

1in 24children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 38 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New Jersey (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

21% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

39% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

630,042

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

10,064

or

1in 63children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 39 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New Mexico (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

32% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

156,168

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

9,754

or

1in 16children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 40 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New York (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources,

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

24% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

40% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

1,395,060

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

135,952

or

1in 10children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 41 

Early Childhood Homelessness: North Carolina (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

28% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

729,638

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

25,531

or

1in 29children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 42 

Early Childhood Homelessness: North Dakota (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

21% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

19% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

18% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

65,348

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

2,160

or

1in 30children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 43 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Ohio (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

25% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

25% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

13% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

836,763

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

28,477

or

1in 29children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 44 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Oklahoma (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

31% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

26% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

320,424

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

25,441

or

1in 13children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 45 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Oregon (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

25% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

23% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

283,014

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

22,235

or

1in 13children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 46 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Pennsylvania (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

22% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

29% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

24% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

856,529

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

22,434

or

1in 38children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 47 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Puerto Rico (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

38% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

27% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

6% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

196,603

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,875

or

1in 51children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 48 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Rhode Island (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

20% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

32% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

19% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

65,690

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,016

or

1in 65children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 49 

Early Childhood Homelessness: South Carolina (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

28% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

352,733

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

13,695

or

1in 26children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 50 

Early Childhood Homelessness: South Dakota (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

25% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

20% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

41% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

73,435

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,896

or

1in 39children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 51 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Tennessee (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

30% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

28% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

6% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

487,810

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

14,919

or

1in 33children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 52 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Texas (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

31% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

2,424,168

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

112,033

or

1in 22children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 53 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Utah (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

27% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

24% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

303,991

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

14,619

or

1in 21children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 54 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Vermont (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

21% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

30% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

33% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

36,818

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,063

or

1in 35children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 55 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Virginia (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

18% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

30% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

613,822

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

17,992

or

1in 34children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 56 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Washington (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

23% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

31% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

546,367

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

37,895

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 57 

Early Childhood Homelessness: West Virginia (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

27% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

23% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

121,485

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

9,026

or

1in 13children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 58 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Wisconsin (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

24% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

25% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

16% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

405,912

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

18,006

or

1in 23children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 59 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Wyoming (2015-2016) 

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.

For detailed information on indicator definitions, data sources, 

and methodology, please see Appendix III.

Notes: 

1. McCoy-Roth, M., Mackintosh, B.B., & Murphey, D. (2013).When the 

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

Childhood Highlights, 3.

2. U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017).SC-EST2016-

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, 

2016. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technicaldocumentation/file-layouts/2010-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf

3. Calculations by authors usingmethodology established by Bassuk, et al. 

(2014) and 2016 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 datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2016). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

Services, Administration for Children and Families. Retrieved April 6, 

2018. (2016). The 2016 Head Start Program Information Report. Data 

on children under age 6 experiencing homelessnessserved through

federallyfunded child care& home visiting programs will be collected 

for the first time in2017.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Related Factors

23% of children 

under age six in lowincome working 

families4

20% of families 

with children under 18 

have a high housing 

cost burden4

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.

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

22% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

Children under age 6

Total population2

45,853

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,574

or

1in 29children
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 60 

Appendix I: Data Sources and Methodology 

Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 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 2015—20166

 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. (2016). Children living in households 

with a high housing cost burden [Data set]. Retrieved fromhttp://datacenter.kidscount.org/. 

The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. (2016). Children in low---income 

working families by age group. [Data set]. Retrieved fromhttp://datacenter.kidscount.org/. 

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2017). SC-EST2016-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, 2016. 

https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/technical-documentation/file-layouts/201

0-2016/sc-est2016-agesex-civ.pdf 

U.S. Department of Education. Homeless children and youth served by McKinney---Vento 

subgrants------ Ages birth through 2. [Data set]. Retrieved April 6, 2018 from 

https://eddataexpress.ed.gov/. 

U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or 

without McKinney---Vento subgrants --- Total: 2015—2016. [Data set]. Retrieved April 6, 2018 from 

https://eddataexpress.ed.gov/. 

U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students enrolled in LEAs with or 

without McKinney---Vento subgrants --- Ages 3 to 5: 2015—2016. [Data set]. Retrieved April 6, 2018 

from https://eddataexpress.ed.gov/. 

 6 Data from the KIDS COUNT Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau are reported for the calendar, rather 

than school, year.
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 61 

U.S. Department of Education. Total number of homeless students served by McKinney--- Vento 

subgrants --- Ages 3 to 5: 2015—2016 [Data set]. Retrieved April 6, 2018 from 

https://eddataexpress.ed.gov/. 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Association for Children and Families, Office of 

Head Start. (2017). Program information report: Total number of children experiencing 

homelessness that were served during the enrollment year. [Data set]. Retrieved from

https://hses.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/pir/. 

Methodology 

This report is an update of Early Childhood Homelessness in the United States: 50---State Profile 

(January 2016, June 2017) and follows a similar methodology. In each state profile, reported 

data on early childhood homelessness was either directly 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. 

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 the U.S. Department of Education’s (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 education 

agencies are required to assess the number of children who are experiencing homelessness in 

their service areas. 

However, these data may not include all children experiencing homelessness under age 3, and 

most commonly refer to children in the public school LEA (local educational agency) 

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 profile adopts 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). 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. 

Recent research has indicated that about half (49.2 percent) of all children experiencing 

sheltered homelessness in 2015 were under age six (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 62 

Development, 2016).7 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, ED’s data indicate that 1,301,238 children in grades K---12 experienced 

homelessness nationwide in 2015–2016. This figure does not include children ages three to five 

who are enrolled in public preschool, but 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: 

1,301,238/.508 = 2,561,492

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 2015—2016: 

2,561,492 x .492=1,260,254

While data calculated in this fashion come closer to conveying the extent of early childhood 

homelessness than some other estimates, they should be viewed as conservative. Bassuk and 

colleagues (2014) 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 are available, stigma or embarrassment surrounding homelessness may discourage 

some children and families from sharing their housing status with their local school. Further, 

the U.S. Department of Education data only represent 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. 

 

 7 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 

and 2018 editions of the state profiles should not be directly compared with data in the January 2016 

report.
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 63 

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 program 

options, 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 

available through the Consolidated State Performance Report, Part I.

8

 Data on the number of 

children served by a McKinney---Vento subgrant are submitted by school districts and include 

children under age six (not enrolled in kindergarten). 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 

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 that are served 

through Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) (subsidized child care), the Maternal, Infant, 

and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) (evidence---based home visiting) , and the 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C and 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 CCDF and MIECHV programs 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. 

 8 Data sets also available through the U.S. Department of Education’s ED Data Express database.
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 64 

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 low---income working families with young children is specific to families with 

a child under age six. A low---income working family is defined as a family that earns less than 

200 percent of the federal poverty level and has at least one adult who worked 50 or more 

weeks the previous year.

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. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (2016). 2015 annual homeless assessment 

report, part II: Estimates of homelessness in the U.S. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban Development. 

 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 65 

Appendix II: Federal Definitions of Homelessness 

Homelessness is defined in a number of different ways at the federal level. Below are federal 

definitions and key terms that are used when talking about homeless children and youths. 

McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act9 Definition 

Several major federal statutes use the McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition of 

homelessness to determine services for children, including: 

x the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965

x the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),10 and 

x the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act.

Programs authorized by these statutes are in turn implemented by the U.S. Department of 

Education and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which rely on the 

McKinney---Vento definition of homelessness. Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) 

regulations also require its Lead Agencies to use this definition of homelessness. 

Subtitle VII---B of the McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act defined homeless as follows: 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 this title); and 

B. includes— 

 9

 It is important to note that while Congress amended the McKinney-Vento Act with the Every Student Succeeds 

Act (ESSA) in December 2015, the changes included in those amendments did not take effect until at least 

October 1, 2016. As a result, the information for the 2015-2016 data included in this report reflects program, 

and legal requirements based on the 2002 reauthorization of the McKinney-Vento Act through the No Child Left 

Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), Pub. L. No. 107-110 (2002). 10 The IDEA is the federal law that assists states in meeting the early intervention needs of infants and toddlers 

with disabilities and their families and the special education and related services needs of children with 

disabilities. The IDEA rights and protections applicable to children with disabilities and their parents under Part 

B of IDEA (Preschool Grants and Grants to States programs) and the IDEA rights and protections applicable to 

infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families under Part C of IDEA (Infants and Toddlers With 

Disabilities program) apply to homeless children with disabilities. Part B assists states, and through them local 

educational agencies, in meeting the special education and related services needs of children with disabilities, 

including children aged three through five. Part C authorizes assistance to states in developing and 

implementing a coordinated, statewide early intervention system to meet the early intervention needs of 

infants and toddlers with disabilities from birth through age two and their families. More information about 

IDEA, including how it assists states in meeting the early intervention and special education and related 

services needs of infants and toddlers and children with disabilities, is available at: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 66 

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 emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned 

in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement;11

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 

this title); 

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). 

42 U.S.C. § 11434a(2) (2002) 

 

 11 Awaiting foster care placement was removed from the definition of homeless when the McKinney-Vento 

Homeless Assistance Act was reauthorized in 2015, but the change did not take effect until after the 2015-2016 

school year. For “covered” states (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 B of title VII 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. 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 67 

HEARTH Act Definition

The 2009 HEARTH (Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing) Act 

modified the definition of homelessness used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban 

Development (HUD). The current definition of homelessness used by HUD, as outlined in 

federal regulations, 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; 

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; 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 68 

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. 

24 CFR § 583.5 

 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 69 

Appendix III: Federally Funded Early Childhood Programs 

Head Start 

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ohs 

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, 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 directly serves children experiencing homelessness from birth to five years old and 

provides 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 

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), administered by HHS through the Office of Child 

Care (OCC) at the Administration for Children and Families, is a Federal and State partnership 

that promotes family economic self---sufficiency and helps children succeed in school and life 

through affordable, high---quality early care and afterschool programs. Subsidized child care 

services are available to eligible families through certificates (vouchers), or grants and contracts 

with providers. Nearly 1.4 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, Congress passed the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) 

Act of 2014, which authorizes the Child Care and Development Fund. T. This reauthorization of 

CCDF includes significant changes in defining health and safety requirements for child care 

providers, outlining family---friendly eligibility policies, expanding quality improvement efforts, 
 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 

 70 

and ensuring parents and the public have transparent information about the child care choices 

available to them. One of these changes is requiring States to report whether children receiving 

assistance are children experiencing homelessness, using the McKinney---Vento Homeless 

Assistance Act definition of homelessness. 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 

HHS supports voluntary home visiting programs for families with young children living in areas 

of concentrated poverty, or with other risk factors. 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: 

x Improve maternal and child health 

x Prevent child abuse and neglect 

x Promote positive parenting 

x 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 2014—2015, MIECHV supported home visits for 

145,500 families nationwide. Data on the number of children experiencing homelessness 

served by MIECHV are not currently available, but will be collected in future years. 

MIECHV is administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration in partnership 

with the Administration for Children and Families. In 2016—2017, the program received $372.4 

million in funding. Grantees must invest 75 percent of funds received in evidence---based models 

of home visiting, though the remaining funds may be spent to support the implementation and 

evaluation of promising approaches. 

 
 71 

The Education for Homeless Children and Youths program under the 

McKinney-Vento 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, though 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 2015—2016, the Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program received $70 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 percent 12 of its grant to local education agencies to facilitate 

educational success for children and youth experiencing homelessness through a competitive 

subgrant process. 

Local education agencies 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.13

 

 12 Under 42 U.S.C. 11432(e)(1), states funded at the minimum level must distribute at least 50 percent in 

subgrants to LEAs. 13 For more information, see: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/homeless/ehcyprogramprofile.pdf. 
72

The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation 

for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. 

www.ed.gov