Type of Culminating Activity

Graduate Student Project

Graduation Date

5-19-2009

Degree Title

Masters of Education, Early Childhood

Department

Special And Early Childhood Education

Major Advisor

Juli Pool

Abstract

The Chinese are the largest ethnic group within the Asian-American population, consisting of 23% of the Asian population living in the United States. For first generation Chinese-American parents, they face the choice of schools for their children, starting with preschool. Preschool is a vital start for all children. When Chinese children transition from homes to American preschools, they face the challenge of an unfamiliar culture, a different language from home and a new environment. This project will focus on the transition Chinese children make from home to American preschools. It will explore the similarities and differences between beliefs and ideas on early childhood education between Chinese parents and American preschools. This project briefly reviews the literature on American preschools. Finally, this project will provide some suggestions on how parents can prepare for this transition. The product of this project will be a handbook for Chinese parents, which will provide brief information about a typical American preschool and the suggestions and ideas on developing consistency between Chinese homes and American preschools. This handbook will also help Chinese parents prepare and support their Chinese children entering an American preschool.

Parent Handbook.pdf (1471 kB)
Parent Handbook.pdf

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