Early Childhood Self-Assessment Tool for Family Shelters

The Early Childhood Self-Assessment Tool for Family Shelters The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) originally developed the Self-Assessment tool in 2014, and was recently updated in 2020. ECD has supported and participated in the validation and revision process. View the new tool here.

• Natural Disaster Shelters
• Domestic Violence Shelters
• Maternity Group Homes
• Family Shelters
• Continuums of Care
• Early Care and Learning Providers

Ways to Take Action

• Build relationships with your Local Shelter Board and local Continuum of Care to emphasize the need for homeless services that are tailored for young children.
• Share this tool with other emergency shelter providers in your area, either informally or through your community’s Local Shelter Board and Continuum of Care.
• Connect with your local Head Start program and Child Care Resources.
• Review recommended strategies for increasing early care and education services for homeless children.

Resources Related to the Self-Assessment Tool

• Guide to Developmental and Behavioral Screening for housing and shelter providers
• In Case of Emergency Form
• Childproofing Checklist
• Special Care Plan