Authoritarian Practices in Early Childhood Policy: A Case Study

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Embracing Well-Being and Joy to Advance Equity and Justice in Early Childhood Education (Table 41)

Abstract

Early childhood research and practice has a rich history of resisting dominant power structures. In this paper we consider a shift from neoliberalism to authoritarian practice and its chilling effect on early childhood education policy, practice, and advocacy work. Firstly, we briefly consider the history of resistance found within the field of early childhood education, recognizing the success of the reconceptualization movement as a reason to maintain hope amid challenging circumstances. Secondly, we present the case of the 2021-2023 US legislative session in the state of Florida (USA) as evidence of the emergence of authoritarian practices. We conclude with proposals for partial, provisional, and practical ways of responding to increasingly authoritarian conditions governing the education of young children.

Authors

• Sara Michael-Luna, University of Central Florida

• Daniel J. Castner, Indiana University