We wanted to do something about child homelessness. To not only raise awareness, but also prepare students who seek to work with children or families.
The next generation of childcare providers, teachers, counselors, and advocates will need specific knowledge and skills to work with the nation's most vulnerable children. And the need for effective interventionists across different fields couldn't be greater. That’s why we developed our holistic Child Homelessness Studies curriculum—so that our education, counseling, and human services students will graduate ready to make a meaningful impact.
Creating the Curriculum
Taught by a team of cross-disciplinary faculty, our rigorous Child Homelessness Studies curriculum delves into the origins and nature of homelessness. Students explore child development, trauma and crisis, and resiliency. In addition to classes, internships in local social service agencies provide opportunities to observe children and examine childcare and shelter practices. It’s how our students learn first-hand the impact homelessness has on children and families.
The curriculum consists of five undergraduate courses, each building knowledge and techniques used when working with, or on behalf of, homeless children and their families. Completing all five courses leads to a Certificate in Child Homelessness Studies.
This certificate opens doors to employment in settings that address child homelessness, and for work with children across settings where child homelessness might otherwise go unrecognized.