Exploring the experiences and expertise of Early Care and Learning Professionals to develop tools to support families with young children experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity.

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 9:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Family and Parent Engagement

Abstract

This paper explores the ways in which Early Care and Learning Professionals (ECLPs) contributed their insights, experiences and expertise to help develop a toolkit of resources for other ECLPs to provide support for children in their care whose families are experiencing homelessness/housing insecurity (H/HI). Utilizing a focus group methodology, eleven ECLPs discussed their experiences working with families with young children experiencing homelessness and/or housing insecurity (H/HI). Focus groups centered on ECLP feedback on the development of a toolkit of resources and professional development materials that aimed to support ECLPs in their work. The research raises questions about the varied needs of ECLPs serving families in different auspices of care, policy/program systems, and with varied expertise and resources.

Author

• Katherine Kresin Delaney, University of Toledo