From Malaguzzi to Mamdani: Learning Stories and the Fight for Justice in Early Childhood Education
Presented by Julia Koumbassa & Helen Frazier
PM Workshop: 12:30–1:45 PM
Learning Stories did not emerge in isolation-they were born from histories of resistance to standardization, colonization, and deficit thinking in early childhood education. In this session, we first uncover the histories that inspired the Learning Story approach, exploring connections to liberatory pedagogies, Reggio Emilia, and global movements for educational freedom. We then consider what these intertwined histories teach us about power and justice in our work as early childhood educators and how these lessons can guide us forward, with an in-depth look at the current resistance work happening within early childhood spaces in New York City. Throughout the session we will consider how liberatory approaches center children’s rights, including their right to play. Our workshop will primarily presented as a lecture and slide show, with time for questions from the audience and discussion at the end.
Audience: Infant/Toddlers; 3-6 years; Inclusion; Multilingual Learners; Family Childcare; Administrators; Policy Makers; Faculty/Higher Education; Parents
Julia Koumbassa
Eastern Michigan University
Julia is a seasoned early childhood educator and leader with over 25 years of experience. Having served in a myriad of roles within the field, Julia uses this wealth of experience to inform her perspectives. As a doctoral candidate in Education and lecturer at Eastern Michigan University, Julia is deeply committed to liberatory pedagogy and exploring how histories of resistance that have shaped early childhood education can inform transformative practice today. Passionate about supporting the growth and development of current and future educators and using Learning Stories as a powerful tool for reflection and growth, Julia integrates research, justice, and pedagogy to advocate for relational and inclusive early learning spaces for children, families, and educators.
Helen Frazier
Compass Charter School
Helen Frazier is a pre-Kindergarten teacher at Compass Charter School in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked in early childhood education as a preschool and kindergarten teacher, special educator, adjunct instructor, and professional development provider since 1998. Helen graduated from Bank Street College of Education in 2003. She was the lead writer and project coordinator for the Revised New York State Early Learning Guidelines and a creator of the NYAEYC Interest-Driven Learning Framework. Helen led the assessment group for the NYS Board of Regents Early Childhood Workgroup’s Blue Ribbon Committee. She uses learning stories in her teaching practice and advocates for their expanded use in public settings. She is the proud mother of two sons.