This newly updated and validated Early Childhood Self-Assessment Tool for Shelters is intended to help shelter staff ensure their facilities are safe and appropriate for the development of young children.
Often young children experiencing homelessness do not receive the social-emotional, educational, medical, mental health and/or special services they need to thrive. The Early Childhood Self-Assessment Tool for Shelters has abundant resources and guidance on best practices that shelters can use to assess how their programs can best meet the needs of vulnerable young children and their families. The tool also encourages shelters to develop relationships with local resources, like early intervention and home visiting programs, child care, and WIC, for help implementing new practices and to promote cross-program referrals. Finally, the tool guides shelters through an action planning process to promote positive experiences for children and families.