ABSTRACT This study looked at the factors Latina mothers want to see in their children’s preschool centers, in order to provide a more holistic approach for defining high-quality preschools. A qualitative study was conducted in which 40 Latina mothers from a western region of the United States were interviewed to understand their views about quality preschools and what they look for when selecting a placement for their child or children. The data were analyzed using a Funds of Knowledge framework. Overall, the mothers first chose a preschool based on suggestions from their social networks, proximity, and affordability. Then, the mothers looked for centers that were safe, had trusting and loving staff, welcomed families, had a curriculum they desired, and a low student-teacher ratio. The analysis found that the mothers’ preferences for their children’s preschool stemmed from their past and present experiences. This study calls for a redefinition of quality that emphasizes the importance of valuing parents’ culture, context, and unique desires for their children. In understanding the factors that families look for in their children’s preschool, practitioners can better incorporate these factors and, in doing so, value families.

中文翻译：

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拉丁裔母亲定义的优质学前班：使用知识基金的定性研究

摘要这项研究研究了拉丁裔母亲希望在孩子的学前班中看到的因素，以便为定义高质量的学前班提供更全面的方法。进行了定性研究，对来自美国西部地区的40名拉丁裔母亲进行了采访，以了解他们对优质学前教育的看法以及为孩子选择一个或多个孩子时的期望。使用知识基金框架对数据进行了分析。总体而言，母亲首先根据他们的社交网络，亲密关系和负担能力方面的建议选择一所幼儿园。然后，母亲们寻找安全的中心，信任和爱护员工，欢迎家庭，拥有他们想要的课程，并且师生比例低。分析发现，母亲对孩子学龄前的偏好源于他们过去和现在的经历。这项研究要求对质量进行重新定义，强调对父母的文化，背景和对孩子的独特渴望的重视。通过了解家庭在孩子的学龄前期中寻找的因素，从业者可以更好地纳入这些因素，并以此来重视家庭。