Looking at the Histories of Black and Latina Early Childhood Educators to Guide the Future of Early Childhood Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Black and Latina scholars share critical, historical understandings of racism and sexism within ECE to provide a roadmap for the future. The first researcher reviews literature on Black women care providers from early colonial America until present day using the Black feminist critical counternarrative lens to describe freedom dreams of our foremothers. The second researcher elevates experiences of Black girls who aspire to become ECE teachers to urge teacher preparation programs to affirm and cultivate community connection and critical consciousness. The third researcher shares histories that shape Black care providers’ work and policies they want to advance their profession. The fourth researcher critiques historical commodification of women and presents a transformative professional development program that honors teachers' intrinsic worth.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Perspectives on Early Childhood Education

Chair

• Chrishana Lloyd, Child Trends

Papers

• Black Feminist History of Early Care and Education: A Review of Literature - Crystasany R. Turner, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

• Cultural Justice for Black Girls as Future Black Women Educators in Early Childhood Education - Morgan Faison, University of Georgia

• Home-Based Child Care Workers Describe the Histories and Policies That Shape Their Work - Zoelene Hill, New York Academy of Medicine

• Historical Commodification of Women: Designing Reimagined Spaces Supporting Teacher Quality With Our Radical Refuge - Vanessa Rodriguez, New York University

Discussant

• Iheoma U. Iruka, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill