“The Word ‘Quality’ Was Driving Me Crazy”: A Candid Conversation With an Immigrant Center Director

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 11:25 am
  In Roundtable Session: Critical Investigations of Early Childhood Teacher Contexts and Identities (Table 38)

Abstract

In this qualitative case study, we share our conversations with an education director of an early childhood education and care center, situated in a low-resourced immigrant community in New York City. Using the community cultural wealth framework, we critically examine what quality means and focus on a holistic understanding of quality in early education and care work, particularly for immigrant children and families of color. In doing so, we share what is possible, alternative ways of creating quality and equitable early childhood care and education practices that center justice and dignity with and for immigrant children, families, and teachers, and the challenges that come with resisting the status quo.

Authors

• Seung Eun McDevitt, Rowan University

• Louella Sween, Inner Force Early Childhood Center