The Integrated Schools Podcast
Kids & Family:Parenting
The schools conversation happens everywhere - the playground, work events, even in line at the supermarket. However, it is often focused on K-12 education. The pressures of getting your kid into the "right" school, moving somewhere with "good" schools, and playing the system to gain as much advantage as possible, usually revolve around K-12. However, despite the lack of guaranteed preschool in many places across the country, there are plenty of opportunities for families to make decisions that reflect their values and support their communities even for our youngest learners.
In this episode, we dive into the topic of preschool education and the often overlooked issue of segregation. We are joined by Dr. Casey Stockstill, author of the upcoming book False Starts: The Segregated Lives of Preschoolers, to discuss the prevalence and implications of race and class segregation in preschools. The conversation explores our personal experiences and observations, as well as the challenges faced by both children and teachers navigating this complex landscape.
Dr. Stockstill highlights the importance of choosing inclusive and diverse preschool environments that align with our values and contribute towards community-building efforts. We discuss the role of Head Start programs in providing better opportunities for children and how they impact early childhood education. The conversation also addresses teacher-to-student relationships, the challenge of finding mixed-income and racially mixed preschools, and the necessity of community-driven initiatives in early childhood education. Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Stockstill highlights the implications of segregated preschool environments on future learning thought the K-12 experience.
As parents and educators committed to educational equity, we may not always find easy steps or clear answers. Yet, by engaging in such nuanced conversations and making conscious preschool choices, we can play our part in breaking down racial barriers and creating inclusive environments for all children.
LINKS:
ACTION STEPS:
Use these links or start at our Bookshop.org storefront to support local bookstores, and send a portion of the proceeds back to us.
Join our Patreon to support this work, and connect with us and other listeners to discuss these issues even further.
Let us know what you think of this episode, suggest future topics, or share your story with us – @integratedschls on twitter, IntegratedSchools on Facebook, or email us hello@integratedschools.org.
We’re proud members of Connectd Podcasts, a network dedicated to helping shows like ours grow and thrive. For more info, or to check out their other amazing shows, head over to their website.
The Integrated Schools Podcast was created by Courtney Mykytyn and Andrew Lefkowits.
This episode was produced by Andrew Lefkowits and Val Brown. It was edited, and mixed by Andrew Lefkowits.
Music by Kevin Casey.
The 70th Anniversary of Brown v Board - Do It Live!
A Tipping Point for Change 70 Years After Brown v Board
Local Stories of Desegregation: Charlotte
Rebuilding The Black Educator Pipeline
Jim Crow's Pink Slip with Dr. Leslie Fenwick
Local Stories of Desegregation: DENVER (Part 3)
Local Stories of Desegregation: DENVER (Part 2)
Local Stories of Desegregation: DENVER (Part 1)
Parenting to Create the World We Want
The Importance of Belonging
A Conversation with the Assistant Secretary of Education
2023 In Review
ICYMI: Teaching Hard History
Taking Just Action for Integration with Richard and Leah Rothstein
Managing an Increasingly Diverse and Unequal Education System with Dr. Erica Turner
There Goes the Neighborhood with Jade Adia
The Demands and Promises of Integration with John Blake
Season 10 Kick Off: Reconnecting
Reflections on Season 9
School Lunch: Justice On The Menu
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family with Jim Daly
Calm Parenting Podcast
The Count of Monte Cristo
Grimms’ Fairy Tales
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
Raising Good Humans