Intergenerational Participation and Interpretation of Home Visits in Early Childhood Services

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 1:45 pm - Gold 1
  In Roundtable Session: Place, Community, and Equity: Engaging Schools, Families, and Universities in Rural Learning

Abstract

This study examined intergenerational caregiver engagement in a home visiting program for families with children aged 0–3 in low-resource areas of China. Through observations of 26 home visits and interviews with 26 caregivers (13 parents and 13 grandparents) and 20 home visitors, we investigated generational differences in participation and interpretations of the home visits’ goals, processes, and the roles of those involved. Quantitative analysis using the Home Visit Observation Form showed significant generational differences in interaction content explanation, home visitors’ role, and caregiver participation styles. Qualitative interviews illuminated these patterns through caregivers’ engagement perceptions and home visitors’ adaptive strategies across generations. The findings underscore the need for culturally responsive approaches in early childhood service design.

Authors

• Peijing Qiao, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Si Chen, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Xuerong Wang, Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Tianyu Li, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Ming Dong Mak, The Chinese University of Hong Kong

• Mai Lu, China Development Research Foundation

• Zhixin Du, China Development Research Foundation

• Yi Qie, China Development Research Foundation