A significant increase in homeless infants and toddlers has been estimated in California. Nearly 86,000 children ages 0 to 3 are believed to have experienced homelessness in 2023-24. This represents a 15% jump from the previous year.

Only a portion of these young children are enrolled in early learning programs, which often provide critical services for their development. About 12,000 children were enrolled in such programs in 2023-24.

Further details on the impact of this trend on early learning programs are available, highlighting the need for support and services for these vulnerable children.