ERIC Number: ED639580
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 55
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
From "Laissez-Faire" to "Anti-Discrimination": How Are Race/Ethnicity, Culture, and Bias Integrated into Multiple Domains of Practice in Early Childhood Education?
Larissa M. Gaias; Diana E. Gal-Szabo; Eva M. Shivers; Sharon Kiche
Grantee Submission
Pedagogical approaches which aim to counteract discrimination and injustice have been identified as potential ways to reduce pervasive and persistent inequities in education outcomes, which emerge as early as preschool Despite this potential, however, empirical research is limited and suggests a disconnect between recommended practices for counteracting bias in early childhood education and the implementation of such approaches in everyday classrooms. The goal of the present study was to examine the extent to which early childhood education centers who were identified for having an intentional focus on race, culture, and bias actually implemented practices aligned with this approach across five domains of practice: Visual/Aesthetic Environment, Toys and Materials, Activities, Interactions, and Organizational Climate. We conducted classroom observations and focus groups with educators and administrators in five early childhood education centers. Practices within the five domains were interpreted on a continuum from "laissez-faire" to "anti-discrimination" (MacNaughton, 2006). Results demonstrated that educators did not consistently engage in practices consistent with an "anti-discrimination" approach when addressing issues of race and culture. This study provides important insights regarding explicitly addressing race/ethnicity, culture, and bias in early childhood education in a comprehensive and proactive manner with implications for educator training. [This paper was published in "Journal of Research in Childhood Education" v36 n2 p272-295 2021.]
Related Records: EJ1343679
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305B170021; R305A170458