Supporting Homeless Children in the Classroom: Building Blocks, a Self-Directed Workbook for Preschool Teachers

Abstract

Building Blocks is a self-directed workbook aimed to provide preschool teachers with the

support, knowledge, and skills to empower children experiencing homelessness to succeed in the

classroom setting. The learning objectives focus on: (a) what homelessness is; (b) societal factors

and barriers that contribute to homelessness; (c) how homelessness impacts cognitive, emotional,

and social development in children; (d) how homelessness is perceived as traumatic; (e) calming

and nurturing activities centered on early childhood brain development; and (f) how

homelessness impacts the parent-child relationship.

This resource utilizes a self-instructional design so that preschool teachers can work with

this resource on their own or collaborate with other preschool teachers and/or administrative

preschool staff. This workbook is titled Building Blocks and uses a primary colors theme with

each building block aimed at creating a foundation for preschool teachers to build upon their

relationships with children experiencing homelessness. Resources for future support also are

included.