Supporting Refugee Preschooler’s Early Learning: Combined Capitals and Strengths of Refugee Families, an Agency, and a Community Preschool Program

Abstract

Using Yosso’s community cultural wealth framework, this qualitative study explored the strengths families, a refugee agency and preschool program have as they support the educational needs of preschool-aged refugee children. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine refugee mothers, two agency directors, and one teacher. Data were analyzed using a deductive approach revealing multiple cultural capitals, including aspirational, social, familial, and linguistic, that the refugee mothers possessed and utilized. Agency and program strengths included: strong goal-driven practices, external supports, and knowledge of the families they serve. This study gives insights on forming family-program partnerships and supporting young children’s learning.

Keywords:

• Refugee families
• refugee children
• refugee agencies
• preschool programs
• community cultural wealth
• early learning