Early Childhood Education Committee
NAEHCY’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Committee is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for young children aged five and under experiencing homelessness. The committee, composed of expert practitioners and advocates in Early Childhood Education, is committed to elevating professional learning, advocacy, and resource sharing to elevate awareness and visibility of homelessness among young children.
Early Childhood Homelessness
Children under the age of five experiencing homelessness face unique and significant challenges. Critical developmental milestones, emotional stability, and early learning opportunities are often disrupted, making it imperative to promptly identify these vulnerable young children and integrate them into nurturing, stable educational environments.
Recognizing these distinct needs, the ECE committee provides early childhood educators, leaders, and K-12 school district personnel with targeted resources, professional development, and strategic support. The committee aims to:
- Facilitate collaboration across sectors, ensuring comprehensive, coordinated, and responsive approaches to early childhood homelessness.
- Support quality improvement initiatives of early care and learning programs and services
- Build the capacity of NAEHCY members and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that young children and their families who experience homelessness access high-quality education programs and services.
By establishing viable pathways for identification, resource alignment, and integration into stable learning environments, The ECE Committee strives to equip educators and leaders with the necessary tools to build solid educational foundations for young learners and to empower every young child experiencing homelessness with opportunities for lifelong learning and success.
Committee Chair: Carie Bires, MSW Managing Director, Illinois Policy Start Early
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