The geography of early childhood education opportunity in gentrifying Austin

Over the last two decades, high-income and college-educated residents have moved to previously disinvested inner-city neighborhoods in a pattern called gentrification. These changes can potentially alter opportunities for families with young children living in or moving to these communities. Few studies, however, explore the link between gentrification and early childhood education centers, which provide opportunities during a critical period that sets the foundation for future learning and well-being. Building on literature that demonstrates how patterns of geographic and economic development across space contribute to educational opportunities, this study examines how urban gentrification alters the context of early childhood education. Specifically, this study uses qualitative interviews with 11 leaders to examine how they view changes in early childhood education program offerings and enrollment trends as communities gentrify.