New research highlights caregiver courage and calls for stronger school supports as targeting intensifies fear in immigrant communities

San Diego, California, December 8, 2025 – The Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) today announced the release of a new research report, Latino TK/Kindergarten Attendance Under Pressure in California, authored by Monique Escobedo, Ph.D., Director of Research at PIQE. The report examines how shifting federal immigration policies and intensified enforcement are shaping school attendance for Latino transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten students across California.

The full report is available at https://www.piqe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Early-Learner-AttendanceFull-Report.pdf

The brief is available at https://www.piqe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ELA-Brief-1.pdf

Drawing on six focus groups with 38 Latina/o and Indigenous caregivers from the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Los Angeles, the study documents how fear of immigration raids, racial profiling, and family separation intersects with longstanding barriers such as low socioeconomic status , transportation, work schedules, and limited childcare. Despite these pressures, many caregivers report making extraordinary sacrifices to keep their young children in school and to protect their emotional well-being.

“Many of the caregivers in this study–regardless of citizenship status–described how immigration raids in or near their communities caused extreme anxiety and initial feelings of confusion and fear” said Monique Escobedo, Ph.D., Director of Research at PIQE, and author of the report. “They want their children in classrooms where they can learn, grow, and feel safe. Meanwhile, Latinos are also navigating a political climate that is directly targeting their communities–often based solely on appearances. Their stories detail both the heavy emotional toll that current immigration enforcement strategies have taken, but also the remarkable courage, planning, and steadfastness that these caregivers maintain to ensure that their children have consistent and equal access to education.”

The report highlights four major themes: children’s mental health and emotional distress, deep mistrust of information and law enforcement, the protective strategies families are putting in place, and caregivers’ unwavering belief that education in the United States can open doors for their children. It also offers insights on how schools, districts, and policymakers can respond through clearer communication, culturally and linguistically responsive outreach, and supportive early learning environments.

“This report is a powerful reminder that attendance is not just about getting students through the school gate,” said Ryan E. Alcantara, Ph.D., Interim CEO and President of PIQE. “For many Latino families, showing up every day requires resilience in the face of complex legal systems and economic hardship. Schools and districts have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to stand with caregivers by making campuses welcoming, ensuring families know their rights, and tailoring supports so that every child can attend school consistently and without fear.”

To help educators, community partners, and policymakers engage with the findings and consider concrete action steps, PIQE will host two free webinars this week that walk through the research and its implications for practice and policy:

PIQE Evening Chat: TK Kindergarten Attendance Amid Racial Political Targeting

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Pacific)

Register here: go.piqe.org/49QCsrS

PIQE Lunch and Learn: TK Kindergarten Attendance Amid Racial Political Targeting

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

12:00 to 1:00 p.m. (Pacific)

Register here: go.piqe.org/4i0xECj

Both sessions will provide an overview of the study, share direct caregiver testimonies, and offer practical recommendations for school leaders, community organizations, and advocates who are working to support equitable, safe access to education for young Latino students and their families.

About the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)

The Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) is a national nonprofit that advances educational equity by partnering with schools and communities to strengthen family engagement and support systemic change. PIQE serves more than 35,000 families each year across a network of more than 557 schools in 48 of California’s 58 counties, and implements its model in multiple states nationwide. Since its founding in 1987, PIQE’s programs have supported more than 2.35 million students.

Media Contact

Isaac Cox

Director of Communications

Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)

Email: icox@piqe.org