Early Childhood Homelessness

State Profiles 2019 

Early Childhood Homelessness 

State Profiles 2019 

Prepared for:

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Planning, Evaluation and Policy Development

Policy and Program Studies Service

Prepared by:

Amy Yamashiro

John McLaughlin

U.S. Department of Education

2019
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

June 2019 

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 2019, Washington, DC, 2019. 

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
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

v

Contents 

List of Exhibits v 

Introduction 1 

National Findings 2 

State Findings 3 

References 7 

Profiles

National 8 

Alabama 9 

Alaska 10

Arizona 11 

Arkansas 12 

California 13 

Colorado 14 

Connecticut 15 

Delaware 16 

District of Columbia 17 

Florida 18 

Georgia 19 

Hawaii 20

Idaho 21 

Illinois 22 

Indiana 23 

Iowa 24 

Kansas 25 

Kentucky 26 

Louisiana 27 

Maine 28 

Maryland 29 

Massachusetts 30

Michigan 31 

Minnesota 32 

Mississippi 33 

Missouri 34 

Montana 35 

Nebraska 36 

Nevada 37 

New Hampshire 38 

New Jersey 39 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

vi

New Mexico 40

New York 41 

North Carolina 42 

North Dakota 43 

Ohio 44 

Oklahoma 45 

Oregon 46 

Pennsylvania 47 

Puerto Rico 48 

Rhode Island 49 

South Carolina 50

South Dakota 51 

Tennessee 52 

Texas 53 

Utah 54 

Vermont 55 

Virginia 56 

Washington 57 

West Virginia 58 

Wisconsin 59 

Wyoming 60

Appendix I: Data Sources and Methodology 61 

Data Sources 61 

Methodology 62 

Early Childhood Homelessness 62 

Early Childhood Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness 64 

Related Factors 64 

References 65 

Appendix II: Federal Definitions of Homelessness 66 

McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Definition 66 

HEARTH Act Definition 68 

Appendix III: Federally Funded Early Childhood Programs 70

Head Start 70

Child Care Development Fund 70

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting 71 

McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act 72 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

vii

List of Exhibits 

Exhibit 1: Number and Percentage of Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness in 

2016–2017 4 

Exhibit 2: Number and Percentage of Children Under Age Six Experiencing 

Homelessness and Served by Federally Funded Early Childhood Education 

Programs in 2016–2017 5 

Exhibit 3: High Housing Cost Burden and Low-Income Working Families: Percentage of 

Families with Children Affected by These Related Factors in 2016 6 
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

viii
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

1 

Introduction 

Homelessness is a reality for many families with young children in the United States. In 2017, 

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, 2018). 

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

population in the United States yet ten percent of the child population served by HUD---funded 

shelters (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018; HUD, 2018). Moreover, in 2016–2017,1 more than 1.3 

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

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

2007). 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).

Homelessness in early childhood is 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 

educational experiences that are critical to improving the long---term educational outcomes of

children. 

This 2019 report updates ED’s annual Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles2 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), ED, HUD, HHS, and the 

Annie E. Casey Foundation and reports the following by state: 

• Total population under age six in 2017

1 Data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Health and Human Services are reported by school year 

(i.e., 2016–2017). Data from the KIDS COUNT Data Center and the U.S. Census Bureau are reported for the 

calendar, rather than school, year.

2 Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2018 compiled 2015–2016 school year data from multiple sources. 

https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/disadv/homeless/early-childhood-homelessness-state-profiles.pdf
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

2 

• Estimated number of children under age six experiencing homelessness in 2016–2017

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

homelessness in 2016–2017)

• Estimated enrollment of children under age six in federallyfunded early childhood

programs (i.e., Head Start3 and school districts receiving McKinney-Vento Homeless

Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act)4 subgrants) in 2016–2017

As in previous profiles, the 2019 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 were 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.5

National Findings

• In 2016–2017, there were 1,313,152, or one---in---18, children under six years old who

experienced homelessness.

• In 2017, about nine percent of children under age six experiencing homelessness

(115,0236 children) were enrolled in Head Start, Early Head Start, or programs funded

with McKinney---Vento subgrants. This rate does not include state and locallyfunded

early childhood programs.

3 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 HHS’ Child Care and Development Fund, but that such data will be available in future years. 4 The Secretary of Education 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. 5 The territories—except Puerto Rico and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)—get .1% of ED’s The Secretary is 

authorized to reserve .1% of the amount appropriated for each fiscal year to be allocated among the U.S. Virgin 

Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, according to their 

respective need for assistance, as determined by the Secretary. (42 U.S.C. § 11432(c)(2)(A)). The Secretary 

transfers 1% of the amount appropriated for each fiscal year to the Department of the Interior for programs for 

Indian students served by schools funded by the Secretary of the Interior. (42 U.S.C. § 11432(c)(2)(B)(i)). 6 The estimate of 115,023 children may be slightly inflated due to a small number of children who receive services 

from both Head Start/Early Head Start and the McKinney-Vento program.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

3 

• 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.

State Findings

• More than 100,000 children under age six experienced homelessness in each of 

California, New York, and Texas, and more than 35,000 young children experienced 

homelessness in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, and Washington (See Exhibit 1.).

• More than 5,000 children under age six experiencing homelessness were served by Head

Start/Early Head Start and McKinney-Vento in each of California, Michigan, New York,

Pennsylvania, Texas (See Exhibit 2.).

• In seven states or jurisdictions (California, District of Columbia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New 

York, Oklahoma, and Oregon), at least eight percent of children under age six

experienced homelessness (See Exhibit 1.).

• In eight states or jurisdictions (Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South

Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming), more than 20 percent of children under age six 

experiencing homelessness were served by federally funded early childhood education 

programs (See Exhibit 2.).

• 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 (See Exhibit 3.).

• 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 (See

Exhibit 3.).

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

state, and federal conversations and planning.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

4 

Exhibit 1. Number and Percentage of Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness in 

2016–2017 

Exhibit reads: In Alabama, there were 15,429 children under age six experiencing homelessness, or four percent of 

the total early childhood population across the state. 

Notes: The estimated numbers and percentage of children under age six experiencing homelessness in 2016–2017 

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.

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

2: 2016–2017. [Data set]. 

Jurisdiction Number Percentage Jurisdiction Number Percentage

Alabama 15,429 4 Montana 3,492 5

Alaska 3,914 6 Nebraska 3,479 2

Arizona 24,652 5 Nevada 16,237 7

Arkansas 12,691 6 New Hampshire 3,790 5

California 254,654 9 New Jersey 10,648 2

Colorado 20,399 5 New Mexico 11,259 7

Connecticut 4,158 2 New York 143,743 10

Delaware 2,923 4 North Carolina 28,408 4

District of Columbia 6,213 12 North Dakota 2,085 3

Florida 72,740 5 Ohio 29,428 4

Georgia 37,129 5 Oklahoma 26,243 8

Hawaii 2,865 3 Oregon 23,556 8

Idaho 7,275 5 Pennsylvania 24,318 3

Illinois 49,991 5 Puerto Rico 4,587 3

Indiana 17,850 4 Rhode Island 1,192 2

Iowa 6,575 3 South Carolina 11,396 3

Kansas 9,004 4 South Dakota 1,954 3

Kentucky 25,981 8 Tennessee 16,320 3

Louisiana 29,521 8 Texas 107,675 4

Maine 2,436 3 Utah 14,952 5

Maryland 16,583 4 Vermont 1,062 3

Massachusetts 20,215 5 Virginia 19,944 3

Michigan 35,652 5 Washington 39,641 7

Minnesota 17,191 4 West Virginia 8,740 7

Mississippi 9,665 4 Wisconsin 18,657 5

Missouri 32,791 7 Wyoming 1,848 4

National 1,313,152 5
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

5 

Exhibit 2. Number and Percentage of Children Under Age Six Experiencing Homelessness and 

Served by Federally Funded Early Childhood Education Programs in 2016–2017

Exhibit reads: In Alabama, there were 465 children under age six experiencing homelessness who were served by 

federally-funded early childhood programs, or three percent of the total early childhood homeless population 

across the state.

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

were served by Head Start/Early Head Start or by the McKinney-Vento program in 2016–2017. These estimates 

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

McKinney-Vento program.

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

2: 2016–2017. [Data set]. 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].

Jurisdiction Number Percentage Jurisdiction Number Percentage

Alabama 465 3 Montana 852 24

Alaska 325 8 Nebraska 569 16

Arizona 1,239 5 Nevada 1,286 8

Arkansas 1,016 8 New Hampshire 341 9

California 16,192 6 New Jersey 1,163 11

Colorado 2,050 10 New Mexico 782 7

Connecticut 581 14 New York 11,812 8

Delaware 197 7 North Carolina 2,351 8

District of Columbia 834 13 North Dakota 245 12

Florida 3,173 4 Ohio 4,448 15

Georgia 1,486 4 Oklahoma 1,914 7

Hawaii 541 19 Oregon 4,961 21

Idaho 1,020 14 Pennsylvania 7,874 32

Illinois 4,539 9 Puerto Rico 283 6

Indiana 1,411 8 Rhode Island 204 17

Iowa 633 10 South Carolina 1,277 11

Kansas 1,693 19 South Dakota 689 35

Kentucky 1,353 5 Tennessee 901 6

Louisiana 880 3 Texas 10,013 9

Maine 339 14 Utah 641 4

Maryland 1,108 7 Vermont 243 23

Massachusetts 1,905 9 Virginia 1,664 8

Michigan 5,425 15 Washington 2,859 7

Minnesota 3,872 23 West Virginia 1,096 13

Mississippi 263 3 Wisconsin 2,224 12

Missouri 1,419 4 Wyoming 372 20

National 115,023 9
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

6 

Exhibit 3. High Housing Cost Burden and Low-Income Working Families: Percentage of 

Families with Children Affected by These Related Factors in 2016

Exhibit reads: In Alabama, 27 percent of families had a high housing cost burden where families spent 30 percent 

or more of monthly income on housing expenses, and 28 percent of children under age six lived in low-income 

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

was below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

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

cost burden in 2016 (High Housing Cost Burden) which was defined as spending 30 percent or more of monthly 

income on housing expenses. It also presents the percentage of children under age six in low-income working 

families (Low-Income Working Families) 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.

Source: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT data center. (2018). Children living in households with a high housing cost 

burden [Data set]. Children in low---income working families by age group. [Data set]. Retrieved from

http://datacenter.kidscount.org/. 

Jurisdiction High 

Housing 

Cost 

Burden

LowIncome 

Working 

Families

Jurisdiction High 

Housing 

Cost 

Burden

LowIncome 

Working 

Families

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
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

7 

References

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

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

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

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 2018). SC-EST2017-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, 2017. https://www2.census.gov/programssurveys/popest/technical-documentation/file-layouts/2010-2017/sc-est2017-agesex-civ.pdf

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (2018). 2017 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 (2016-2017) 

U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 8 

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

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-EST2017- 

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports,Part I andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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 20175

52,790 62,265 

1,198,097 

National

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

23,940,178 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,313,152

or

1 in 18children

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 9 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Alabama (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017- 

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports,Part I andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

3% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

343 122 

14,964 

Alabama

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

352,670 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

15,429

or

1 in 23children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 10 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Alaska (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017- 

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, 

2017. 

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

Performance Reports,Part I andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman

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

2018. (2017). 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

299 26 

3,589 

Alaska

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

64,570 

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,914

or

1 in 16children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 11 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Arizona (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,159 80 

23,413 

Arizona

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

525,528

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

24,652

or

1in 21children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 12 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Arkansas (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

521 495 

11,675 

Arkansas

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

230,147

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

12,691

or

1in 18children

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

Early Childhood Homelessness: California (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

6% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

4,110 12,082 

238,462 

California

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

2,968,604

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

254,654

or

1in 12children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 14 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Colorado (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,216 834 

18,349 

Colorado

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

403,927

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

20,399

or

1in 20children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 15 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Connecticut (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

508 

73 

3,577 

Connecticut

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

221,619

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

4,158

or

1in 53children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 16 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Delaware (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

39 158 

2,726 

Delaware

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

i i f i

Children under age 6

Total population2

66,771

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

2,923

or

1in 23children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 17 

Early Childhood Homelessness: District of Columbia (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

13% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

678 156 

5,379 

District of Columbia

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

53,363

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

6,213

or

1in 9children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 18 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Florida (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,556 1,617 

69,567 

Florida

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

1,366,671

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

72,740

or

1in 19children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 19 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Georgia (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

688 798 

35,643 

Georgia

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

795,614

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

37,129

or

1in 21children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 20 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Hawaii (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

19% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

219 

322 

2,324 

Hawaii

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

108,119

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

2,865

or

1in 38children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 21 

Early Childhood Homelessness: (2016-2017) Idaho

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

578 

442 

6,255 

Idaho

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

140,631

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

7,275

or

1in 19children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 22 

Early Childhood Homelessness: (2016-2017) Illinois

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

Children under age 6

Total population2

928,356

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

49,991

or

1in 19children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 23 

Early Childhood Homelessness: (2016-2017) Indiana

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,151 

260 

16,439 

Indiana

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

506,257

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

17,850

or

1in 28children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 24 

Early Childhood Homelessness: (2016-2017) Iowa

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

10% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

576 

57 

5,942 

Iowa

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

238,671

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

6,575

or

1in 36children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 25 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Kansas (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

19% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,045 

648 

7,311 

Kansas

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

232,484

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

9,004

or

1in 26children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 26 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Kentucky (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

5% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

820 533 

24,628 

Kentucky

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

332,018

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

25,981

or

1in 13children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 27 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Louisiana (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

3% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

696 184 

28,641 

Louisiana

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

372,616

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

29,521

or

1in 13children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 28 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Maine (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

14% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

276 63 

2,097 

Maine

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

77,744

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

2,436

or

1in 32children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 29 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Maryland (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

610 498 

15,475 

Maryland

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

440,206

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

16,583

or

1in 27children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 30 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Massachusetts (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,473 432 

18,310 

Massachusetts

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

433,697

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

20,215

or

1in 21children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 31 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Michigan (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

15% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

2,108 

3,317 

30,227 

Michigan

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

689,060

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

35,652

or

1in 19children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 32 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Minnesota (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

23% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,376 

2,496 

13,319 

Minnesota

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

426,490

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

17,191

or

1in 25children

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.
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 33 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Mississippi (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

3% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

194 69 

9,402 

Mississippi

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

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

Total population2

225,468

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

9,665

or

1in 23children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 34 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Missouri (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,116 303 

31,372 

Missouri

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

449,401

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

32,791

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 35 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Montana (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

24% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

693 159 

2,640 

Montana

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

75,868

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,492

or

1in 22children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 36 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Nebraska (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017. 

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

16% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

459 110 

2,910 

Nebraska

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

159,159

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,479

or

1in 46children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 37 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Nevada (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

 

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

568 718 

14,951 

Nevada

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

 

Children under age 6

 

Total population2

222,864

 Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

16,237

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 38 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20165

241 100 

3,449 

New Hampshire

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

77,625

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

3,790

or

1in 20children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 39 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New Jersey (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

732 431 

9,485 

New Jersey

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

628,545

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

10,648

or

1in 59children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 40 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New Mexico (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

419 363 

10,477 

New Mexico

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

154,455

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

11,259

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 41 

Early Childhood Homelessness: New York (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

3,378 8,434 

131,931 

New York

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

1,394,622

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

143,743

or

1in 10children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 42 

Early Childhood Homelessness: North Carolina (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,449 902 

26,057 

North Carolina

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

732,414

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

28,408

or

1in 26children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 43 

Early Childhood Homelessness: North Dakota (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

245 0

1,840 

North Dakota

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

64,182

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

2,085

or

1in 31children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 44 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Ohio (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

15% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,941 

2,507 

24,980 

Ohio

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

838,936

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

29,428

or

1in 29children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 45 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Oklahoma (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,152 762 

24,329 

Oklahoma

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

316,994

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

26,243

or

1in 12children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 46 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Oregon (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

21% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

2,645 2,316 

18,595 

Oregon

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

283,468

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

23,556

or

1in 12children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 47 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Pennsylvania (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

32% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

2,241 

5,633 

16,444 

Pennsylvania

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

852,828

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

24,318

or

1in 35children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 48 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Puerto Rico (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

6% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

178 105 

4,304 

Puerto Rico

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

181,650

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

4,587

or

1in 40children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 49 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Rhode Island (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

17% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

166 38 

988 

Rhode Island

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

65,743

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,192

or

1in 55children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 50 

Early Childhood Homelessness: South Carolina (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

11% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

512 

765 

10,119 

South Carolina

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

353,405

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

11,396

or

1in 31children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 51 

Early Childhood Homelessness: South Dakota (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

35% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

499 

190 

1,265 

South Dakota

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

73,933

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,954

or

1in 38children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 52 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Tennessee (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

6% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

715 186 

15,419 

Tennessee

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

490,641

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

16,320

or

1in 30children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 53 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Texas (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

9% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

3,622 6,391 

97,662 

Texas

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

2,431,321

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

107,675

or

1in 23children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 54 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Utah (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

4% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

641 0

14,311 

Utah

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

305,069

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

14,952

or

1in 20children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 55 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Vermont (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

23% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

240 

3 

819 

Vermont

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

36,187

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,062

or

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

Early Childhood Homelessness: Virginia (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

8% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

859 805 

18,280 

Virginia

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

614,124

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

19,944

or

1in 31children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 57 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Washington (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

7% served by Head Start/Early Head Start or 

McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,568 1,291 

36,782 

Washington

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

549,650

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

39,641

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 58 

Early Childhood Homelessness: West Virginia (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

13% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

610 

486 

7,644 

West Virginia

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

118,831

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

8,740

or

1in 14children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 59 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Wisconsin (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

12% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

1,427 797 

16,433 

Wisconsin

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

404,665

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

18,657

or

1in 22children
U.S. Department of Education, Policy and Program Studies Service 60 

Early Childhood Homelessness: Wyoming (2016-2017) 

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

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-EST2017-

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, 

2017.

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

(2014) and 2017 data from U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment.

4. Data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation KIDS COUNT datacenter.

5. Data from U.S. Department of Education. (2017). Consolidated State 

PerformanceReports,PartI andU.S.Department ofHealth andHuman 

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

2018. (2017). The 2017 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.

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.

Early Childhood Homelessness Early Childhood Education

for Children Experiencing Homelessness

Children under age 6

experiencing homelessness

20% served by Head Start/Early Head Start 

or McKinney-Vento funded ECE programs in 20175

253 119 

1,476 

Wyoming

Head

Start/Early

Head Start

McKinneyVento

Unserved

Children under age 6

Total population2

44,447

Estimated number 

experiencing homelessness3

1,848

or

1in 24children
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

61

Appendix I: Data Sources and Methodology

Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019 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 2016–20177 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. (2018). 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. (2018). Children in low---income 

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

U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division. (June 2018). SC-EST2017-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, 2017. https://www2.census.gov/programssurveys/popest/technical-documentation/file-layouts/2010-2017/sc-est2017-agesex-civ.pdf

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

subgrants------ Ages birth through 2: 2016–2017. [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: 2016–2017. [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: 2016–2017. [Data set]. Retrieved April 6, 2018

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

 7 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 2019

62

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

subgrants --- Ages 3 to 5: 2016–2017 [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, December 2018) 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 ED’s Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program are among the 

most comprehensive sources of data on children under 18 experiencing homelessness in the 

United States because state and local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to 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 three, 

and most commonly refer to children in the LEA-administered early childhood programs. Thus, 

these numbers could underestimate at a statistically significant level the prevalence of 

homelessness in the early childhood period.

To better estimate the total population of children under age six who experience 

homelessness, the state 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.
Early Childhood Homelessness State Profiles 2019

63

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

sheltered homelessness in 2015 were under age six (HUD, 2016).8 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 1,355,856 children in grades K---12 experienced 

homelessness nationwide in 2016–2017. 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: 

1,355,856/.508 = 2,669,008

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 2016–2017: 

2,669,008 x .492=1,313,152

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 ED 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.

 8 The January 2016 edition of the state profiles estimated that 51 percent of all children experiencing

homelessness are under age 6 based on data using different research. Thus, the data presented in the 2017, 

2018, and 2019 editions of the state profiles should not be directly compared with data in the January 2016 

report.
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Early Childhood Education for Children Experiencing Homelessness

The number of young children and families experiencing homelessness enrolled in Head 

Start/Early Head Start, including the Migrant, and American Indian and Alaska Native programs,

is reported each year to the Office of Head Start directly by Head Start grantees. These figures 

are available online through the Head Start Program Information Report database and 

represent a full program year. The national estimate of children experiencing homelessness 

served by Head Start/Early Head Start includes programs in U.S. territories.

The number of young children served by McKinney---Vento subgrants to school districts is 

collected through the Consolidated State Performance Report, Part I. Data on the number of 

children served by a McKinney---Vento subgrant 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) 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 program will begin 

reporting data on the number of young children experiencing homelessness served in future years; 

integrating these data into future reports will further refine estimates of the proportion of children 

served and not served by federally funded early care and education programs.

Related Factors

Data for the Related Factors section were drawn directly from the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s 

KIDS COUNT Data Center.

The percentage of families experiencing a high housing cost burden includes all families with a 

child under age 18. A high housing cost burden is defined as a family that spends 30 percent or 

more of monthly income on housing costs.
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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 (2018). 2017 annual homeless assessment 

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

Housing and Urban Development.
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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:

• the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965,

• the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),

10 and

• 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 includes the following definition: 

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 2016–2017 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/
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i. children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of 

housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, 

trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate 

accommodations; are living in emergencyor transitional shelters; 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 children and youths when the 

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

after the 2016–2017 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. 
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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;
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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
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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, the President signed into law the Child Care and Development Block 

Grant (CCDBG) Act of 2014, which reauthorized the Child Care and Development Fund. This 

reauthorization of CCDF included significant changes in defining health and safety requirements 

for child care providers, outlining family---friendly eligibility policies, expanding quality 
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improvement efforts, and ensuring parents and the public have transparent information about 

the child care choices available to them. One of these changes required States to report 

whether children receiving CCDF assistance are children experiencing homelessness, using the 

McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act definition of homelessness12. Collecting this data will 

be important for tracking performance on serving children and families who are experiencing 

homelessness.

Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting

https://mchb.hrsa.gov/maternal-child-health-initiatives/home-visiting-overview

The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, administered by 

the Health Resources and Services Administration in partnership with the Administration for 

Children and Families, supports voluntary, evidence-based home visiting programs for at-risk 

pregnant women and parents with children up to kindergarten entry. The MIECHV program was 

initially created in 2010 under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111---

148) and provides grants to states, tribes, and territories to establish programs that: 

• Improve maternal and child health

• Prevent child abuse and neglect

• Promote positive parenting

• Support child development

These aims are achieved through regular meetings between a family and a trained professional 

or paraprofessional in the family’s home. In FY 2017, the MIECHV Program served all 50 states, 

the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. Among the 54 awardees with available data, 

the Program served approximately 156,000 parents and children. In FY 2017, MIECHV awardees 

reported serving 1,961 adult participants experiencing homelessness. This accounts for 

approximately 3% of all adult participants served.

In 2018 HRSA awarded approximately $361 million in funding to 56 states, territories, and 

nonprofit organizations. Awardees 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.

 12 While the Improving Head Start for School Readiness Act implemented by the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services relies on the McKinney---Vento definition of homelessness, the Child Care and Development 

Fund (CCDF) regulations also require its Lead Agencies to use the McKinney-Vento definition of homelessness.
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The Education for Homeless Children and Youths program under the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act

https://www2.ed.gov/programs/homeless/index.html

Subtitle VII---B of the McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance Act offers support for states, tribes, 

and outlying areas to ensure that children and youth experiencing homelessness have equal 

access to a free and appropriate public education. The McKinney---Vento Homeless Assistance 

Act was initially passed in 1987, 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 percent13 of its grant to local educational agencies (LEAs) to 

facilitate educational success for children and youth experiencing homelessness through a 

competitive subgrant process.

LEAs may use subgrant funds for activities such as collaboration with other local entities and 

resolving challenges related to transportation, school records, and residency requirements. In 

each state, program funds also support a coordination office to monitor the needs of children 

and youth experiencing homelessness.14

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

subgrants to LEAs. 14 For more information, see: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/homeless/ehcyprogramprofile.pdf.
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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