Educating America's homeless children is a problem with many families losing their jobs and homes. Even families living in homeless shelters have to move periodically to make room for other families. Children are moved from school to school. They do not have opportunities to remain in a spiral curriculum. Learning is difficult when students move form one school where their class is learning fractions to another where they are learning long division. They end up with large gaps in their academic skills.

Some parents try to help their children with homework but this is difficult to do if they are hungry and living in a car. Homeless shelters are full and noisy. Some homeless families have children who are in elementary/middle school grades and they are more apt to get services. High school students are much more reluctant to explain their living circumstances. Parents might not know exactly what services their children qualify for.  Social workers within schools need to know which students need services such as reduced or free breakfasts and lunches. There are some programs that will provide clothing and school supplies.

Students lag behind in social skills as well as academics. They do not have the same opportunities to form lasting friendships. When the No Child Left Behind was passed, provisions were made for educating the homeless and migrant children. Tutors could be provided in some areas. However, due to sharp increases in the number of homeless  and migrant children in these categories, funding is insufficient. Meeting the educational needs of these children is challenging indeed.