THE FOCUS CENTERS: CHILDCARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF HOMELESS INFANTS AND TODDLERS      The problems of homeless infants and toddlers and small children who are exposed to domestic violence stem directly from the burdens of their parents.  A young child will experience great stress when he or she has no consistent or secure environment.  This young child can become angry, withdrawn, depressed, and mistrustful.  He will frequently blame himself for family's problems and take on the responsibility to comfort his parents emotionally, in spite of his young age and in spite of his own need for comfort.  Usually, a child living in these circumstances has regularly witnessed domestic violence and is at high-risk for being abused or severely neglected himself.      Children who are caught in the middle of their family's difficult circumstances are poorly equipped to cope.  Their environment is typically chaotic and relationships are transitory.  Home is seldom the same place for any length of time, and the absence of basic physical care and regular meals compound the trauma.      The Focus On The Children childcare environment is designed to meet the special needs of homeless and high-risk infants and young toddlers.  We counter the adverse conditions of homeless with a predictable "home away from homelessness" -- preventing what would otherwise be inevitable life altering traumas.  Then, while their children are nurtured in a safe environment, their parents are encouraged and empowered to address and correct the circumstances that are placing their children at risk.  They make positive long-term changes in their own lives and in the lives of their children. COMFORTING ROUTINES      Children find comfort in knowing what will happen next.  A simple relaxed predictable routine eases a child's fears.  It is especially difficult for a homeless child to feel secure and believe that there is "enough to go around."      Frequently, a child coming from a night at a public shelter has had a fitful night.  Babies make their own schedules at the FOCUS Centers…they sleep as long and as often as they need to…they snack often.  Naptime is a gentle time at the FOCUS Centers.  Whether is a lullaby or a quiet story, every child has the chance for pleasant dreams. CARING SUPPORT      Homeless children are often exposed to dangerous and violent environments.  With the help of our specially trained staff and volunteers, the children are encouraged to express their anger and fears in a safe and appropriate way.  All children need attention and affection but the need is even greater for homeless and high-risk children.      Even young infants experience traumas of homelessness and domestic violence and demonstrate their effects through a variety of emotional and physical reactions.  Ongoing child development studies continue to confirm how crucial it is for a young infant to feel safe, warm and secure from birth.  When parents are stressed, distracted or unequipped to provide the security that their infant needs, the long-term consequences of the resulting neglect can be profound and grim.  Every infant and young child in the FOCUS program can count on individual attention by a staff member who is aware of and sensitive to his or her special needs. A FAMILY'S CHANCE TO SUCCEED      At FOCUS, we accompany parents in their struggle and assist them in finding the resources they need to become housed, employed, in continuing their education, and most importantly, confident and self-sufficient.  Parents are encouraged to be active participants in their own progress…not passive recipients of services.  In this way, by the time a family moves successfully through the FOCUS program, they have developed skills in problem solving and analytical thinking…and they have established a positive outlook for their own future and can mirror this positive outlook for their children. OUR DAYS ARE SPECIAL AT THE FOCUS CENTERS      A hearty breakfast is served up first thing as babies and toddlers arrive at the center…the toddlers practice using their words…"MORE?"  Here, they learn, there is always "MORE."      Play is a child's workshop…and so mornings are full of fun…staffed with one adult to every two children and with volunteer helpers, we are almost always one on one with the little ones at the FOCUS center.  This optimizes the "catch up" work that many homeless babies have to do. Many of the financially impoverished environments that these babies come from are emotionally impoverished environments, too.  But they do catch up… fast…through story time…songs...water play …building a tower…      Naptime is an extra special time at the FOCUS Center…a lullaby, a gentle touch, being rocked to sleep.  It's not unusual for a homeless baby or a baby who has been recently exposed to domestic violence to be afraid of sleep…will he wake to safety? or chaos?  He doesn't know what to expect…and babies and small children need to know what to expect.  That is why we work so hard to provide him with a comfortable predictable routine each day.  Once comfortable at the Center, babies begin to trust their world…a trust that is crucial to their healthy growth and development. FOCUS Home Page | Sponsorship Information Homeless Childcare | A Message From The Director Mission Statement | How Does FOCUS Define Homeless Parent Participation Program | Major Contributors| Board of Directors Web Page Design by Kenneth A. Lee Last Updated 8/14/01