Navigating the Kindergarten Transition: Challenges and Opportunities for Non-Immigrant and Immigrant Families (Poster 11)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 8:00 a.m.
  In Poster Session: Building Home-School-Community Partnerships

Abstract

This exploratory case study examined challenges and opportunities among non-immigrant and immigrant families during the transition to kindergarten. In school, non-immigrant families proactively engaged with schools to navigate the kindergarten registration process, while immigrant families struggled with unfamiliarity with the American educational system. While some non-immigrant families initiated conversations with teachers, immigrant families faced language and cultural barriers. At home, non-immigrant families often relied on extended family support, whereas immigrant families depended on immediate family. Limited English proficiency presented extra challenges for the language development of children in immigrant families, prompting parents to utilize technology and seek out supplementary resources. At the community level, non-immigrant parents were aware of resources, but immigrant families faced obstacles due to inadequate community support.

Authors

• Peggy A. Kong, University of Utah

• Xinwei Zhang, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Anu Sachdev, Lehigh University

• Xiaoran Yu, Citrus College

• Nino Dzotsenidze, Policy and Management Consulting Group