Date of Award
12-2023
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Program
Urban Studies
Department
School of Urban and Regional Studies
Major Professor
Dr. Jeffrey Parker
Second Advisor
Dr. David Gladstone
Third Advisor
Dr. Sarintha Stricklin
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Jenna Chiasson
Abstract
Research has often highlighted the positive effects of high-quality early care and education on children's development and the economy. However, the challenge of ensuring access to quality care for all children and understanding the perspectives of leaders doing crucial work on the ground remains. Given the strong associations between high-quality early childhood education, brain development, and positive economic outcomes for those who access high-quality care, my paper introduces a theory of change. This theory outlines a pathway from understanding the determinants of quality in childcare centers, as seen through the eyes of industry leaders, to the implementation of policy changes. I focus on how leaders within the industry describe themselves, their centers, the world, and their values. The evidence presented in this paper showcases strategies that leaders employ to uphold their status as pioneers in early childhood education.
Recommended Citation
Polito, Paula S. Mrs., "Childcare Organizations: A Qualitative Study on Childcare Leaders’ Perceptions of the Elements that Promote the Work They Do in the Childcare Industry" (2023). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 3121.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/3121
Included in
Early Childhood Education Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Educational Sociology Commons, Family and Consumer Sciences Commons, Other Education Commons, Other Educational Administration and Supervision Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Pre-Elementary, Early Childhood, Kindergarten Teacher Education Commons, Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
Rights
The University of New Orleans and its agents retain the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible this dissertation or thesis in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The author retains all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis or dissertation.