This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
More Than 50,000 Babies And Toddlers Experiencing Homelessness In California, Study Finds
Only 1 in 6 babies and toddlers experiencing homelessness in California were enrolled in early childhood development programs.
(
Mariana Dale
/
LAist
)
Topline:
More than 3% of all babies and toddlers under age 4 in California experienced homelessness from 2021-2022, according to a new report by the nonprofit SchoolHouse Connection and the University of Michigan. It also showed that few of those babies were enrolled in an early childhood development programs designed to help families, like Early Head Start.
Why it matters: Research has shown that babies who experience homelessness are at greater risk for developmental delays and poorer health outcomes. Experts say early childhood development programs can help mitigate some of the negative effects, and support families with things from diapers to housing services.
Despite a federal requirement: The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act requires local school district liaisons to refer infants and toddlers who aren’t of school age to early childhood services like Head Start and Early Head Start.
Why it matters: Research has shown that babies who experience homelessness are at greater risk for developmental delays and poorer health outcomes. Experts say early childhood development programs can help mitigate some of the negative effects, and support families with things from diapers to housing services.
Rising homelessness: The number of unhoused families with children rose 16% from 2022-2023 across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A report from The Eviction Lab from Princeton University also found families with children under 5 were at most risk of being evicted.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
