Aileen Garcia

Dr. Aileen Garcia is an Assistant Professor and State Specialist for Early Childhood Education, Development, and Care at the University of Missouri's College of Education & Human Development. She earned her PhD in Child, Youth and Family Studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Her research examines cultural influences on parenting and caregiving, early childhood education quality, and quality of life among ethnic minorities and immigrants in the United States. She investigates protective factors against parenting stress, parental involvement in education among low-income families, and childcare best practices in diverse settings.

Dr. Garcia's recent work focuses on pandemic-related impacts on educators and families, including studies on teacher well-being during virtual instruction, parenting stress during COVID-19, and the academic outcomes of student parents. Her research employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore childrearing practices across ethnic groups including Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Korean, and Mexican families.