First Advisor

Harding, Jennifer

Document Type

Dissertation

Date Created

12-2021

Abstract

Using theoretical sampling, focused on those who could best inform the theory, the participants in this study, all Latina women, consisted of two program Tías (Aunties), currently teaching and mentoring in the Abuelas Preparando a los Niños Para La Escuela [Grandmothers Preparing the Children for School], or APPLE program, and 14 past graduates. The only education the program graduates had before APPLE was in their home countries prior to immigrating to the United States. Beginning with a description of the type of care they provided to children before they participated in the APPLE program, the participants explained how the structure and content of the program transformed their practice from mother/babysitter to teacher, enabling their children to function successfully in the Eurocentric system of schooling while otherwise maintaining their existing culture. Key to this transformation is a professional development program that condenses significant content knowledge of child development, child guidance, pediatric health and safety, curriculum studies, and business practices; all made accessible to the participants in a manner that connects with their emotions as well as their minds while making the learning engaging and fun. Despite evidence of altering the Latinx culture, the participants consider the transformation they experienced as an acculturative positive change in themselves and the educational care they provide for the children that in no way diminishes their culture; instead, they consider it an opportunity for them to improve society through their new knowledge.

Extent

198 pages

Local Identifiers

Becker_unco_0161D_10973.pdf

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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