Chapter 12: Poverty

unprepared due to lack of understanding of ways of school function

little interest and little school involvement

lack of trust of school personnel

do not have skills to support childs academic needs at home

The amount of money on which a family can marginally exist

Family of 2- $12,490

Family of 3- $15,670

Family of 4- $18,850

buy safe and decent shelter

buy learning materials

buy good food for proper nutrition

can decrease stress level in family

buy health care supplies and safety devices

car seats, door and window locsk, medicine,

buy healthy recreation

sports equipment, opportunities for social groups

Transportation, Communication, Economic Opportunity

vehicles, train, bus, telephone

think of the needs of the whole child

help to meet their basic needs by working with the school and community

do not stigmatize children

they need sensitivity, understanding and recognition of strengths

reach out to the community

build a collaborative school and community network

make school a safe haven

provide a sense of belonging and security

In 2008, 14 million children under 18

typically mother-only families due to absence of second wage earner

recently those who have lost their jobs due to the poor ecomony

discontinuities between school and other areas of life

lack adequate diet, health care, housing and child care

poverty affects the ability to do well academically

have impressive potential and must not be underestimated

apt to lack experience and resources that support academic success

teacher must understand poverty

have patience

know the environment where children live

communicate with parents as you would any parent

try to get low-income families actively involved

become involved in the community

What is Homelessness?

families lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence

Where do the Homeless live?

shelter, friend's house, with a family member, in a car, campground, in a tent in tent cities

What are Characteristics of Homeless Families?

84% of homeless families are female headed and more than half of the mothers do not have a high school dipolma

adults typically work

42% of children are typically under age 6

Effects of Homelessness on Children

twice as likely to repeat a grade in school compared to other students

have twice the rate of learning disabilities and three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems

sick twice as often

go hungry twice as often as other children

more than 1/5 of preschoolers have emotional problems serious enough to require professional care