We are conducting a research study at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to better understand how early childhood educators support justice-impacted children in their classrooms. These include children whose parents have been incarcerated, detained, deported, or placed under legal supervision such as probation or parole.
Justice-impacted children often face emotional, social, and academic difficulties that require compassionate, informed support from educators. However, there is limited research on how teachers currently navigate these challenges or what tools they need to feel more prepared.
Through interviews with teachers, the study will:
• Explore classroom experiences and strategies
• Understand common challenges and support needs
• Identify gaps in school-based support systems
• Inform the development of independent learning materials for educators
This research is being conducted by Prof. Dr. Julie Poehlmann and Dr. Orhan Kahya at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Are you an early childhood teacher who has taught a justice-impacted child? We would love to hear from you
+1 608 265 8917