Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree
Ph.D.
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Degree Granting Department
Curriculum, Instruction, and Learning
Major Professor
Sophia Han, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Ilene Berson, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Jolyn Blank, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Lisa López, Ph.D.
Keywords
Culture, Early childhood, Family engagement, Islam
Abstract
A vast body of research in early childhood education has shown the positive effect of parents' engagement on children's emotional, cognitive, and social development. However, researchers identified limitations to parent involvement activities within the culturally diverse context. The purpose of this case study was to fill the literature gap in exploring how Saudi families engage in their children's early education in the United States. Within the context of sociocultural theory, Muscrit theory, family ethnothories, and mirror, window, sliding glass doors framework, this study aimed to understand the family engagement practices of three Saudi families whose children enrolled in early childhood U.S. schools. Semi-structured interviews with both parents and documents were used to collect the data. The data were thematically analyzed. This study's findings revealed that a welcoming and uncomplicated environment helped Saudi families to engage in their children's schools. The families also stated challenges and obstacles that affected their engagement practices in their children's schools and at home. Islamic beliefs, cultural norms, personal preferences, and social anticipations create a burden and a barrier for Saudi families to be able to engage in their children's schools actively. This study discussed implications and recommendations for early childhood schools, programs, teachers, and teacher education programs. Understanding Saudi families' perceptions and experiences in the U.S. early childhood education has the potential to offer valuable insights that can guide our approach and future investigations in the field of early childhood education.
Scholar Commons Citation
Alberaidi, Sarah, "Exploring Saudi Families’ Engagement in the US Early Childhood Schools: Experiences of Bearing the Burden" (2024). USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/etd/10467
