Despite numerous special problems, urban schools are attempting to develop programs to meet the needs of homeless children. National estimates of the number of homeless school-age children range as high as 440,000, at least one-half of whom do not attend school. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 includes a section that addresses the educational needs of homeless children. Its provisions revise school residency and guardianship laws and require states to develop plans to assure that homeless children are provided the same services as other students. The following educational problems are most frequently cited: (1) transportation to and from school; (2) prompt transfer of student records from school to school; (3) incomplete or missing health records; (4) difficulty in assessing the needs of transient homeless students; (5) unavailability of a proper home study environment; (6) low parent involvement; (7) lack of community services to support attendance; and (8) emotional and socialization problems. The following programs could be provided given adequate funding and support: (1) school-shelter liaisons; (2) after school and extended day programs; (3) special tutoring programs; (4) preschool problems; (5) in-school social workers and counselors; and (6) in-service teacher training. A list of six references is appended. (FMW)