How Teachers Can Identify Homeless Children

Very often, parents and their children will not let school officials know that they are homeless or living in substandard housing. Either the parents are too embarrassed or do not want their children to have to endure the stigma attached to being homeless. For whatever reason, thousands of children who attend public schools in America are secretly homeless. Teachers are on the front line when it comes to identifying homeless children in the classroom and should know what signs to look for when they may suspect something is not as it should be. Once a child is identified as homeless, there is an opportunity for support and assistance for the child and family. However, identification and intervention is something that must be done with ‘kit’ gloves.

 

Educating Teachers

Most schools, especially those in high-risk areas, require teachers to attend intervention training where they are given information regarding the identification of children who are abused, neglected or homeless. Because of the sensitive nature of these issues, teachers must be trained. It is also important to note that although homelessness may occur more in particular areas than others, it is possible to have children in highly affluent school districts that are homeless as well as in both urban and rural settings.

 

Symptoms of Homelessness Observed in the Classroom

Although these symptoms do not always indicate a problem, they are flags that teachers should watch for.

 

· Fatigue – Children who are constantly tired, show little motivation and often fall asleep at their desk

 

· Hunger – Children who eat fast complain of being hungry or beg other students for part of their lunch.

· Tardiness- Children who are not in school consistently or are frequently late.

· Detachment Issues – Children who do not want to part with their coat, book bag or other personal possessions when they are in the classroom.

 

· Behavior Problems – Children who are extremely nervous, shy, withdrawn, aggressive or anxious.

 

· Poor Personal Hygiene – Children whose clothing is ragged or who have poor personal hygiene.

· Forgetfulness – Children who forget their books and homework or don’t have all the supplies or signed paperwork that they need.

 
 

How Teachers Can Help Homeless Children in the Classroom

If a teacher suspects that a child may be homeless, he/she must let the school administration know immediately. Social services will become involved, and an investigation will ensue. In the end, when families who are hiding their homelessness are sought out, more resources become available for not only the family but also the children. Teachers must first focus on maintaining the child’s privacy; no one needs to know that the child is homeless. Assigning a “buddy” to help the homeless child feel included and accepted works well with younger children. Homeless children enjoy a special classroom job and respond well to encouragement and rewards. Teachers can also help the child to participate as much as possible in field trips, class projects and special activities by finding the necessary resources to support such activities. In short, teachers must do everything they can to make sure a homeless child’s educational experience is as “normal” as possible.

 

About the Author: Susan Patterson is a freelance writer who writes on a number of social issues. She recently wrote an article outlining the benefit of using information and referral software.