Academic Service Learning and Cultural Competence in Teacher Education

Abstract

The researchers used culturally-appropriate techniques to interview and survey community members about the services provided by the local community center in order to determine the type of services that families needed to help their children succeed in school and how pre-service teachers in early childhood education could support the delivery of those services. The results revealed that families wanted information on how to become more engaged in school-based activities. Pre-service teachers can support families by gathering information for parents about school events and assisting the community center staff in removing barriers that prevent parents from attending school activities.