Hispanic Participation In Early Childhood Education

Hispanic children’s participation rates in early childhood education programs are significantly low compared to Caucasian students due to economic disadvantages. The low socioeconomic status of Hispanics has led to lower achievement levels in primary and secondary schools, which is an extension of the lack of early childhood education enrollment. The data does show that Hispanic parents value early childhood education programs and at least know of them. Researchers found evidence to reflect that many Hispanic children’s “Parents express interest in enrolling their children in early education programs and supporting them through postsecondary schooling” (Garcia & Jensen, 2007, p. 1). The support of early childhood education programs by Hispanic …show more content…
Social science researchers have found that Hispanic children are reared in a collectivistic culture where the group identity is dominant; the family members share responsibility, and accountability is a collective force (Sampson, Morenoff, Rowley, 2002). Because of this particular cultural emphasis on collectivity among the group, the focus tends to be on one 's individual function and responsibility to the advancement of the group, not one individual’s success or advancement. Admittedly, this is problematic in the world of academia as it is more often individual progress and success that is acknowledged, tested, and rewarded versus the collective good. Furthermore, social science researchers rightly express that these values have a strong influence and dictate a primary reason Hispanic children continue to underachieve in the academic arena. Nonetheless, this cultural value is both real and deeply rooted in the majority of Hispanic families living in the United …show more content…
The lack of cultural integration is conditional to the facilitation of primary cultural mores that distinguish the Hispanic culture from the underlying dominant sociocultural identity within the primary and secondary schools. These underlying distinctions are, after all, the leading cause of isolation and contributing factors to Hispanic youth eventually deciding to drop out of high school in hopes of finding acceptance in a larger sector of the American society. In the end, these students dropping out of high school may find work in the labor force but in jobs that keep them trapped in a lower socioeconomic class. At first glance one could surmise that this is their choice, individuals have a right to self-determination, and the only one they are hurting by dropout of high school is their self. However, when considering the research and the end effect, given that this population will represent greater than 60 percent of the United States population by 2050 (Census, 2014), it is a systemic problem that requires the attention of a variety of stakeholders to include politicians, educators, parents, and the children themselves. Ultimately, there are three strategies the American people could