ChildCare Education Institute® (CCEI), a distance learning professional development and certificate provider, is proud to introduce SOC105: Addressing Homelessness: The Role of the Early Childhood Educator to the online child care training course catalog.

According to the McKinney-Vento Act, a person is considered homeless if they lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. It is important to note that the experience of homelessness is not necessarily confined to urban or rural areas affected by poverty. Since the economic recession of the late 2000’s, many families have experienced loss of employment or under-employment, which has affected their living situations. This course provides participants with an understanding of their role in supporting children and families who experience homelessness. The course explores the prevalence of homelessness as well as its causes and impacts on the developing child. Participants will discover ways they can promote positive outcomes for those who are affected by homelessness through a variety of policies and classroom practices.

“It’s imperative that early childhood professionals understand the prevalence and impact of homelessness on young children,” says Maria C. Taylor, President and CEO of CCEI. “We often think of homelessness as only those children living on the streets, but there are many children that change where they sleep frequently. While these children may find shelter within a variety of residences, the effects on development can be the same. This course provides resources and strategies to help children experiencing homelessness.”

This two-hour training course is available for online enrollment now, and awards 0.2 IACET Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon successful completion. Active, unlimited individual or center-based subscription holders may take this course at no additional cost at any time. For more information, call 1.800.499.9907, prompt 3, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm EST.