Honors Theses and Capstones

Date of Award

Spring 2018

Project Type

Senior Honors Thesis

College or School

CHHS

Program or Major

Child Development

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

First Advisor

Kimberly Nesbitt

Abstract

This report addresses the need for classroom teachers to provide additional educational supports to young children who are homeless as they are at risk to face academic and social challenges due to their circumstances at home. This paper defines homelessness, discusses the negative effects of homelessness on the child, notes any present policies in place that address homeless children, highlights the burdens that classroom teachers face, and offers suggestions for these classroom teachers so that they can better educate children who are homeless. Furthermore, a case study of the topic of homelessness in Boston Public Schools has been examined to illustrate how this issue is present in today’s society. Educators from Boston Public Schools discuss their experiences and thoughts on the topic of supporting children who are homeless in their classroom. From their responses, common themes surrounding this topic emerged. This article concludes with addressing the need for school systems to make improvements in the current supports that they have for their students who are homeless. In summary, the findings of this paper suggest that students who are homeless need more access to emotional supports that serve as a foundation for academic supports.

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