Moving From Research to Action
The NOLA C.A.R.E.S. PAR researchers are a dynamic collective of Black and Latinx women, actively and creatively interrogating issues that impact their lives as ECE providers and teachers, parents, and community members.
As a part of their cohort experience, researchers gained training and confidence in research practices, and came to recognize and explore the wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding present in their own lives and the lives of others in her community.
Last month, twelve PAResearchers showcased their findings, answered questions, and celebrated their accomplishments with the family, friends, coworkers, community members and partners who came to support and learn from their work.
Topics presented during the showcase included generational wealth building, mental health care for providers, increasing access to funding, early intervention for learning disabilities, and more.
Cathey Coleman's research focused on the challenges parents and educators may run into while teaching children with learning difficulties how to read. Coleman found that early screenings to help identify children who would benefit from an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) are crucial, particularly before 3rd grade, the year Louisiana starts testing children on reading comprehension.
Lisa Williams found that the lack of information on how to apply for state funding is a missed opportunity for Black and Latinx women to build wealth and security. In response, she created step-by-step guide and workshop to support caregivers through the in-home childcare business application process.
Melonie Pichon focused her research on opening childcare centers that receive public funding, or type three centers. She found the amount of resources available to be hidden in plain sight. She said, “PAR connected me with other organizations that could catapult me. Dr. Sonnier from the Policy Institute for Children helped me to interpret legislation. Now I'm mentoring other potential childcare providers.”
Nanette Nelson drew her inspiration from her experience founding a nonprofit after-school and summer care program: "Initially, I wanted to ensure kids weren't hungry when they weren't in school. Then it spiraled into why kids are hungry and what happens to families without access to food programs." This research inspired Nanette to commit more deeply to advocacy work. She now serves community liaison between lawmakers and the lower 9th ward community.
To learn more about the NOLA C.A.R.E.S. PAR Projects, click here. You can read the PAR Showcase event recap, compiled by Ali DeFazio of Ampersand, here.
“Participatory Action Research (PAR) is the process of collaboratively seeking answers to community-informed and -driven questions in a way that is edifying, inclusive and regenerative. Research should be leveraged to help people change systems. When research is done right, it has the potential to be emancipatory.”
