Poverty And Homelessness

The Effects of Poverty, Homelessness, and Hunger in Education

Even before a child is born, they are affected by their environment. Poverty in children can be seen at a very young age. Mothers that live in poverty have babies with low birth weight and medical problems. Poverty, homelessness, and hunger can have extremely negative effects on the brain and body. It also affects a child’s education and learning ability. According to Wendy Harris of King County Developmental Disabilities Division, by the time a child is three years old, 85% of their brain has developed (Perry Firth, 2014). That emphasizes the importance of brain development (Perry Firth, 2014). Homelessness and poverty continue to grow at a steady rate in our country, affecting

In fact, they usually develop survival skills because of the environment they live in. Children should feel a sense of belonging in the classroom – regardless of their circumstances - allowing them the same opportunities that are given to other students. Time at school may be the best time of the day for HHM (Homeless and Highly Mobile) children (ASCD, 1997). When children are in school they are stable and safe. They also get at least two good meals a day, breakfast and lunch. Teachers can also have healthy snacks in the classroom available for children that are hungry. Providing resources to parents about places they can go for help is a great way to show support for families that are homeless and hungry. In some cases, teachers and administrative staff may need to assist families by helping them to get in contact with agencies that can be of help to them. As a teacher, I always have a lost and found box in my classroom. There have been times when at the end of the year no one claims clothes, jackets, and toys. I keep these items and use them in the case of emergency. Having clean changing clothes for children can build their self-confidence. Teachers should make children feel as normal as possible in the classroom by allowing them to have jobs in the classroom, allowing them to participate in all activities with other students, and using activities to build social behaviors. Teachers need to

McKinney Homeless Assistance Act and subsequent amendments in 1990 and 1994 provide considerable protection for the educational needs of homeless children and youth in the United States. The legislation also provided formula grants for states to carry out the Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (Subtitle VII-B) (ASCD,1997). The McKinney-Vento Education of Homeless Children and Youth Assistance Act is a federal law that ensures immediate enrollment and educational stability for homeless children and youth. McKinney-Vento provides federal funding to states for the purpose of supporting district programs that serve homeless students (OSPI, 2015).The following are provisions mandated by law for homeless children according to the McKinney Act of 1990 and