Homelessness has a devastating impact on children. Research has shown that homelessness puts children at increased risk of health problems, developmental delays, academic underachievement and mental health problems. Homelessness also has a disproportionate impact on the youngest children, who account for more than half of all children in federally-funded homeless shelters. At the same time, families experiencing homelessness often face numerous barriers to the programs and services that can support the healthy development of their children, including early care and education programs. In recognition of the challenges faced by homeless families, the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-186) ("CCDBG Act") includes a number of new provisions designed to address barriers and improve access. This guide is intended to assist states in utilizing their Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) state plan ("CCDF Plan") as a vehicle for improving access to high-quality early care and education for children who experience homelessness. The guide provides background information on child and family homelessness, including common barriers and challenges and best practices for serving homeless families; a summary of requirements of the CCDBG Act related to homelessness; and a summary of some of the opportunities available through the state CCDF Plan to improve access. For convenience, the most pertinent points are featured at the beginning of each section, where appropriate. The guide also includes general information and strategies that are not specific to any one section of the CCDF Plan but are critical for states to consider in their planning. As a companion to this guide, a self-assessment tool: "Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness: CCDF State Self-Assessment Guide," available from Ounce of Prevention Fund can assist states in assessing their current policies and practices and identifying options to better support vulnerable children is included. It is recommended that states review the self-assessment tool prior to reading the guide.