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Article
Use of Racial Identity Development Theory to Explore Cultural Competence among Early Childhood Educators
Journal of Southeastern Regional Association for Teacher Educators
  • Heejeong Sophia Han, University of South Florida
  • Cirecie West-Olatunji, University of Florida
  • M. Shelley Thomas, University of Louisville
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
Abstract

In order to explore early childhood educators’ cultural competence through a lens of racial identity development theory, a case study was conducted with four White Kindergarten teachers. Participants were surveyed and interviewed to understand their racial identity development as well as perspectives of teaching culturally diverse early childhood students. Findings suggest that representative characteristics of racial identities are evident among White early childhood educators, and that these characteristics influence their conceptualizations of teaching and understanding culturally diverse young students. Thus, authors recommend that racial identity development be considered as a crucial element of teacher professional developments in order to enhance their cultural competence.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Southeastern Regional Association for Teacher Educators, v. 20, issue 1, p. 1-11

Citation Information
Heejeong Sophia Han, Cirecie West-Olatunji and M. Shelley Thomas. "Use of Racial Identity Development Theory to Explore Cultural Competence among Early Childhood Educators" Journal of Southeastern Regional Association for Teacher Educators Vol. 20 Iss. 1 (2011) p. 1 - 11
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sophia-han/24/