Homeless


 * __Homeless Web Resources__**

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 * The questions you will be reflecting on as a group are:**

1. What should we know about this group?
 * How extensive (live in shelter, another family members home, runaway, throwaway)
 * High risk for infectious disease
 * More health problems
 * More likely to have developmental delays after 18 mos
 * Have physical, emotional & psychological damage
 * 2 or more illnesses a month
 * More likely to score poorly in all areas & score low in all academic areas (held back a year)

2. What are the implications for instruction?


 * Legal Barriers (often get denied w/o an address)
 * Immunization issues (if dont have cant enroll)
 * Financial concerns (Parents/guardians focus on food/shelter over school supplies)
 * Social/Psych (a lot for a child to deal with)

3. What strategies should you be using with these students?


 * Reducing barriers to school participation and the stress of school entry.
 * Fostering staff and student awareness of the realities of homelessness.
 * Increasing the supportiveness of adult and peer relationships.
 * Maintaining high expectations for students' academic success.
 * Building students' interests and aspirations.
 * Individualizing educational and socioemotional supports.
 * Creating links to families, shelters, and community resources.
 * Building a safety net within the school through staff collaboration.