Black Family Childcare Providers’ Roles as Community Mothers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the experiences and perspectives of six state-licensed Black women family childcare providers, who served in an urban midwestern community during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. The purpose of this study was to describe the cultural knowledge and cultural capitals of Black women early childhood educators as they supported young learners and their families in conditions of community hardship. The chapter begins with a brief overview of the historical role of Black women educators and childcare providers as they have helped Black families overcome various racialized and gendered oppressions throughout American history. Through the lens of Black feminist thought, the author analyzes narratives shared through a focus group and individual interviews to understand the women’s unique epistemologies and cultural knowledge. The analysis illuminates how the women: (1) activated a take-charge attitude and willingness to act as autonomous agents within their businesses and communities, (2) used their drive, networks, and social capital to meet community needs, and (3) interpreted their roles as community mothers to extend well beyond the scope of a childcare business. The findings underscore the need for policymakers to examine the structures in place to support and protect those who care for our youngest citizens and a critical review of the way Black women epistemologies are represented in education reform and policy.