What, How, and Why Families Support Early Learning: Cultivating Equitable Family Engagement for Just Futures

• In Event: Families at the Center of Learning

Abstract

The central aims of the study were to [1] critically examine six decades of parenting research by privileging the voices of families in identifying critical parenting knowledge, attitudes, and practices in early childhood, and [2] reimagine possibilities for cultivating equitable family-community-school partnerships. Thus, this paper investigated what, how, and why families invest and support their children’s early learning and development. Specifically, what critical parenting knowledge, attitudes (beliefs and goals) and practices seem to matter most? How do BIPOC and immigrant families apply community cultural wealth to expand educational futures for their children? This study will be one of first empirical investigations to embark on a critical examination of parenting research to advance culturally sustaining pedagogies and equitable family engagement practices.

Author

• Soojin Oh Park, University of Washington - Seattle