In previous research, Brent McBride, associate professor in the Department of Human and Community Development, found that male participation accounted for less than 5 percent of total parent involvement. This misperception serves as a barrier used by school staff to keep fathers from participating in programs. Initially, the teachers treated the fathers differently than the mothers in school programs. We had to sensitize the teachers about their response to fathers, to make them aware of their biases. The biases exist due to the female-dominated early childhood workplace and the differences in how men and women interact with children, McBride said.
Men are more physical with children, invoking criticism by some female teachers.
Teacher sensitivity training was labor-intensive, but more effective than simply creating new opportunities for fathers to participate, McBride said.