A Systematic Review of Which Families Are Represented in ECSE Literature

Abstract

In this systematic literature review, we examined which caregivers were represented within caregiver-focused studies in three, top-tier early childhood special education journals, Infants & Young Children, Journal of Early Intervention, and Topics in Early Childhood Special Education. The purpose of this review was to highlight where the field can shift toward a more representative and inclusive body of research-based literature and guidance for practitioners. We reviewed 115 articles. The results indicate that most studies (1) were conducted with White mothers with high-school diplomas or GEDs, (2) included an English-only or English-dominant approach with caregiver participants, and (3) had limited income data and context of the included incomes, thus informing the field that there is a need to interpret studies from a lens of who was included as well as conduct research with a more inclusive, intentional lens when seeking participants. We share specific directions for future research.