False Starts

     In the first decades of the twenty-first century more children have been getting access to preschool. This is seen as an way for all kids to start kindergarten on a more or less equal footing, to compensate for deficiencies due to class, race, or both of the above. In False Starts: The Segregated Lives of Preschoolers Casey Stockstill shreds this myth, showing how these institutions may exacerbate rather than ameliorate inequities. 

     Stockstill's field work took place in two Madison, Wisconsin preschools: a Head Start affiliate that's 95% children of color and an independent institution that's 95% white. On the surface they would seem similar, having similar equipment and nearly identical schedules. But she digs well below the surface, showing the glaring inequities masked by surface similarities. 

     One was the relative frequency of disruptions and distractions. At Sunshine Head Start most of the kids came from extremely poor families and experienced traumas such as evictions, parental incarceration, and family reconfigurations as parents gained and lost partners. Often they came to school stressed, angry, anxious, and acting out. There was a great deal of student turnover. And the enormous amount of time teachers had to spend filling out paperwork and meeting other Head Start requirements detracted from the time they could actually spend with the children. At Great Beginnings with its middle and upper class clientele children didn't experience poverty-induced stressors, the roster was stable, and, being independent, teachers didn't have the huge amount of paperwork. Thus they could have an enrichment rather than putting out fires orientation. 

     Another difference is symbolized by toys 🧸 and other personal objects. At Sunshine Head Start children had to keep them what they brought from home in their cubbies. At Great Beginnings children's private possessions were not only seen but celebrated in three ways. There was a weekly show and tell. Children were encouraged to bring in books from home. And they could bring in a favorite stuffed animal for nap time. As Stockstill explains, the different personal property rules reinforce as well as reflect race and class inequalities.

     Another difference is the unequal surveillance of families based on the racist and classist beliefs that poor families of color would be prone to abuse and neglect their children while affluent white families would never. Sunshine families were far more likely too come in contact with an agency that prioritizes breaking up families over providing them with what they need to succeed. 

     And there are so many other ways in which children, families, and staff are impacted. False Starts is a must read for anyone involved in or going to school to study for working in early childhood education. 

On a purrrsonal note, today is the last day of spring break. It's been a most excellent one for me--the family event, the Goodwill and Sweet Frog 🐸 field trip, outside 📚 time, first signs of long awaited spring...And I've got more reviews stashed on my Smartphone to share with you in the upcoming weeks. 

A great big shout out goes out to my fellow students as we prepare to return to Black Bear Nation.

Jules Hathaway 

Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone