Cultural Disconnect Between Home and School

Cultural Disconnect Within Our Current System

A cultural disconnect exists within our current educational system exists between teacher preparation programs, early childhood teachers, & the culturally diverse children served. For example, the content of teacher education programs is often based on White American and European theorists and researchers. It contradicts the goal in early childhood of meeting the needs of all children (Wardle, 2013). Likewise, the European American orientation of early childhood programs overlooks the perspectives of other cultural groups. These groups are traditionally marginalized or isolated.

Many early childhood teachers, specifically in the K-3 realm, are White, non-Hispanic, monolingual, and middle class. (Banks & Banks, 2001 Saluja, Early & Clifford, 2002). Because of this, they often lack experience and exposure to children from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. (Hollins & Guzman, 2005) As a result, they may not be comfortable discussing race or have an adequate understanding of culturally responsive anti-bias practices. (Gay & Howard, 2001)