Intersectional Typologies of Children with Cultural Minority Backgrounds: Relation to School Readiness in Head Start

Abstract

Research Findings: A constellation of social positions of difference can contribute to substantial variation among children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) backgrounds. Using data from the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey 2009 cohort, the present study identified intersectional typologies of cultural minority backgrounds and examined their associations with school readiness among CLD children in Head Start. Latent class analysis was used to identify intersectional CLD typologies that were inferred from five cultural minority indicators, including child's racial minority status, maternal and paternal nativity status, non-English speaking primary parent, and non-English speaking families. Four latent typologies were identified: a) CLD-Race, b) CLD-Race/immigrant, c) CLD-Race/multilingualism, and d) CLD-Race/immigrant/non-English dominant. Multilevel models revealed differences in school readiness at the start and end of Head Start by typology. Practice or Policy: Our findings shed light on the importance of looking at the intersections of cultural minority characteristics to understand different strengths and needs across CLD children. Incorporating intersectionality theory into early education research and federally-funded early intervention programs may be useful to more precisely identify the diverse needs of CLD subgroups and assist early educators in tailoring and differentiating instruction accordingly.