Action Plan for an Early Childhood Homelessness Support System

Unleashing the Potential of our Most Vulnerable Children to Raise North Carolina

Prepared By:
Mary E. Haskett, PhD
Marsha R. Basloe
In partnership with Yay Babies!

Read the Action Plan for an Early Childhood Homelessness Support System
Read the Action Plan for an Early Childhood Homelessness Support System Executive Summary

North Carolina’s future prosperity depends on investment in the well-being and education of its  youngest residents. Brain development that happens in the first five years of life sets the stage for future success. Positive interactions between young children, their parents and families and early caregivers and educators create healthy brain development through experiences that prepare them to succeed in school and life. However, as the Action Plan for an Early Childhood Homelessness Support System highlights, experiencing homelessness poses a significant threat to healthy brain development in young children.

Research shows that homelessness is an adverse childhood experience associated with developmental delays, mental health challenges, emotion dysregulation, and poor health due to associated factors. Homelessness creates unique barriers to accessing and participating in parenting support programs (e.g., home visiting) and high-quality early childhood resources and programs. The best estimates suggest that each year more than 32,000 infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children in NC experience homelessness. This bold action plan provides a detailed guide to ensure that children in our state who are unhoused receive all early childhood resources and services available in their communities.