Program areas at Horizons for Homeless Children
Early education centers - the agency operates one of Massachusetts top ranked early education programs, which starts Children along the path toward success at school. The agency's early education program is designed to address the unique challenges and trauma that Children experiencing homelessness face.
Evaluation - the evaluation program is a key program in the agency's goal of undertaking a more formal process to design, evaluate, and utilize information gained to improve outcomes for Children and families who participate in the agency's programs. This program will be instrumental to the agency's focus on influencing public policy regarding early childhood education and child and family homelessness.
The playspace program- the agency provides Children in shelters play experiences that let them be kids for a few hours each week. Through the playspace program, the agency builds playrooms, coordinate activities and work with staff in more than 52 shelters across Massachusetts.
Training and technical assistance - through the training and technical assistance program, agency staff members receive hands on training that is specific to early education for Homeless Children and required to be in compliance with state regulations. In addition, each teacher is coached, trained, and monitored by an expert in the field.
Policy and advocacy - the agency's policy and advocacy work represents a key strategy in the agency's mission to improve the lives of Homeless Children and families in Massachusetts. Through the lens of early childhood development, the agency engages with legislators at the state and federal levels, as well as with other community organizations to advocate for holistic approaches that increase access to high-quality child care, as well as stable, affordable housing opportunities for families across Massachusetts.