Preschool segregation

2017
germany

Preschool segregation refers to the practice of separating young children by race or ethnicity in preschool settings. This practice can be intentional, where preschools actively enforce segregation policies, or unintentional, where social and economic factors lead to naturally segregated preschools.

Historically, preschool segregation has been rooted in racial discrimination and the perpetuation of inequality. During the era of racial segregation in the United States, preschools were often segregated based on the race of the children. Many Black children were denied access to quality preschool education and were provided with inadequate resources compared to their White counterparts.

While racial segregation has been outlawed in many countries, preschools can still be segregated due to socioeconomic factors. Preschools located in low-income neighborhoods may have predominantly Black or Hispanic enrollment, while preschools located in wealthier areas may have predominantly White enrollment. This can lead to unequal access to resources and educational opportunities, perpetuating disparities in early childhood education.

Preschool segregation can have negative effects on children's development and future educational outcomes. Research shows that diverse preschool settings can benefit children by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. When children are exposed to peers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, they develop empathy, tolerance, and a broader worldview.

Efforts to combat preschool segregation include policies that promote diversity and inclusion in early childhood education. Some preschools actively work to create diverse classrooms and implement anti-bias curriculum. Additionally, there are initiatives aimed at increasing access to high-quality preschools for disadvantaged communities, ensuring that all children have equal opportunities for early education.

Addressing preschool segregation is crucial for promoting educational equity and preparing children for a diverse society. By creating inclusive preschool environments and providing equal resources to all children, we can work towards a more just and equitable early childhood education system.

Further reading

Klein O.; Becker B. (2017) "Preschools as language learning environments for children of immigrants. Differential effects by familial language use across different preschool contexts", Research in Social Stratification and Mobility, 48(), pp. 20-31. JAI Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.rssm.2017.01.001