Early Childhood Educators Engagement With Families Surrounding Cultural Diversity

• In Event: Critical Approaches to Family and Community Engagement in Early Childhood

Abstract

This mixed methods study explores early childhood educators' thinking and engagement regarding the role of families and providers to support young children’s development and awareness of cultural diversity. CRT was used to analyze educator’s interview and survey responses about family beliefs. Results demonstrate that the majority of educators believe that families and ECE providers have an equal responsibility in supporting young children’s awareness of cultural diversity and bias. Educator responses center around unidirectional communication. While educators state they believe in a shared responsibility with parents, they lack specificity in how to collaborate for inclusive and bi-directional learning and communication. Inclusive and bidirectional family engagement is critical for addressing and promoting social justice and equity within early childhood education.

Authors

• Monica Molgaard, University of California - San Diego

• Alison G. Wishard Guerra, University of California - San Diego

• Thandeka K. Chapman, University of California - San Diego