Investigating Demographic Disparities and Intersectionality in Head Start Children’s Social-Emotional Profiles

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Social and Emotional Learning and Issues of Equity (Table 40)

Abstract

The objective of this population-based project is to advance our understanding of the diverse nature of social-emotional development and explore the demographic disparities and intersectionality of social determinants among children attending Head Start programs. Using the Family and Childhood Experiences Survey (FACES), the study identified four distinct social-emotional profiles - Adaptive, Average, Moderate Risk, and High Risk - through latent profile analysis among the Head Start children. Further analysis revealed demographic disparities within each social-emotional profile, and significant intersectionality was found between race/ethnicity and disability status in the social-emotional profiles. This research enriches our comprehension of social-emotional development dynamics, providing valuable insights for researchers and practitioners to better understand and support each child's unique needs.

Authors

• Yaoying Xu, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Chin-Chih Chen, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Jeen Mariam Joy, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Lindai Xie, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Karli Johansen, Virginia Commonwealth University

• Jennifer Askue-Collins, Virginia Commonwealth University