Date Approved
6-9-2025
Embargo Period
6-9-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Department
Educational Leadership
College
College of Education
Advisor
James Coaxum, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Susan Browne, Ed.D.
Committee Member 2
Marjorie, Madden, Ph.D.
Keywords
3Ts;Babies Initiative;Emergent Literacy;Family-School Partnership;Multilingual
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
This study examined multilingual families’ experiences in a family-school early literacy program during the critical period of brain development, the Phlournoy Babies Initiative (PBI). Participants included five multilingual (ML) and immigrant families who have participated in this program for multiple years. In addition, this study probed how families were applying the strategies shared during PBI sessions within the context of their culture and home environment. Sociocultural, ecological systems, and culturally responsive teaching theories formed the framework of this study. A narrative inquiry approach was applied, which provided the researcher the opportunity to share the stories and experiences of the participants. Three main data sources were utilized: semi-structured interviews, observations during two PBI sessions, and virtual home visits. The study’s findings suggested PBI encouraged ML parents to view their language and culture as assets in their parenting practices. PBI facilitators’ respect for the families’ language and culture was an important element in building trust and relationships with the parents. The materialization of relationships between the PBI facilitators and the parents was the most significant factor that motivated parents to continue to attend PBI and to apply the learned strategies within their home environment. These relationships created a sense of belonging, a community of learning, and ascertained that families’ language and culture were deemed assets for their children’s early literacy development.
Recommended Citation
Joyce, Diane D., "Building Brains and Relationships Beginning from Birth: Exploring Multilingual Parents' Experiences with a Babies Initiative Family-School Partnership" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3382.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3382
