Diverse Educators’ Experiences in Early Care and Education and Supports They Need to Thrive (Poster 17)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 10:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Diverse Educators’ Experiences in Early Care and Education and Support They Need to Thrive

Abstract

Educators’ well-being impacts the children in their classrooms, and diverse educators’ well-being is impacted by bias, racism, and oppression. The Racial Battle Fatigue (RBF) theoretical framework acknowledges symptoms associated with racism’s effects, but there is little data on how RBF affects early childhood educators’ well-being. The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) funded an evaluation to understand their early childhood workforce’s experiences and needs using equitable and culturally responsive mixed-methods research. Results from surveys and interviews indicated that most diverse preschool educators experienced some form of racism or discrimination and RBF symptoms. However, they did not have the necessary supports to address the impact of racism and RBF. Evaluation results can inform recommendations for supporting and retaining diverse educators.

Authors

• Andrea Westinicky, University of Denver

• Mariah Mendoza-Lehl, University of Denver

• Asia L. Lyons, Lyons Educational Consulting

• Jessica Francis, University of Denver