Parallel Spaces of Belonging: Building Education Spaces Free of Racism and Sexism for Early Childhood Educators

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Can education spaces free of racism and sexism support BIPOC women ECE educators to [re]imagine spaces-of-belonging for themselves and the children and families they support? This session explores the results of four projects based on creating and sustaining spaces-of-belonging for Latina, Black, and Indigenous ECE educators and led by Latina scholars. Further, it will highlight how the researchers engaging in these projects met through an early career award prioritizing researchers of color, affording them an opportunity to create a private, yet professional space-of-belonging for themselves, uncovering several critical lived perspectives that will also be discussed. Outcomes of this symposium will be instrumental in the development of new theories of action for work seeking to advance BIPOC educators and scholars.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Perspectives on Early Childhood Education

Chair

• Mariana Souto-Manning, Erikson Institute

Papers

• Radical Refuge: A Spatial Justice Approach Toward Workforce Sustainability for Black and Latina ECE (Early Childhood Education) Educators - Vanessa Rodriguez, New York University

• Approach to Early Childhood Career Advising: Using an Asset-Based Framework for Career Exploration With Educators - Cristina M. Medellin, Bank Street College of Education

• Moving From Decolonizing to Indigenizing Educational Models in Early Childhood Higher Education and Professional Development - Ingrid M. Anderson, Portland State University

• Building Early Learning Latiné Educators (BELLE): Examining Latina Teacher Perspectives, Finding Awareness and Pursuing Leadership Opportunities for Affinity - Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, National Institute for Early Education Research

Discussant

• Jennifer Keys Adair, The University of Texas at Austin