This book brings together a diverse group of Asian American and Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander early childhood educators who share their stories about how their intersecting identities and lived experiences has impacted and influenced their work in early education. Each contributor brings to life their rich cultural heritage through stories of family and place. They discuss their struggles and challenges with racism and marginalization yet each talks of hope and change. Each essay is unique and personal, but with the primary focus of improving the lives of children. Obviously, no one book can represent all the lived experiences or lessons from the field. However, the goal of this book is to give insight to a cross-section of the experiences of AANHPI early education and care professionals, to provide mirrors and windows to the education field in hope of pursuing more fair, just and inclusive communities. The Book Editors and NAEYC see this book as an opportunity to break down barriers between and outside the Asian American and Native Hawai‘ian, Pacific Islander communities to build a bridge of understanding, to open a dialogue, to improve both policy and practice, and to advance diversity and equity.
