Reflections on the use of mixed reality to prepare early childhood educators to support diverse family needs

Two instructors collaborated across programs in a School of Education to bring mixed reality simulation to preservice early childhood educators in an effort to utilize content knowledge to practice challenging conversations. The scenario chosen was a parent-teacher conference focused on supporting a child with disabilities in an inclusive early childhood preschool classroom. The authors discuss the process of implementing mixed reality simulation in Early Childhood Studies and potential implications for lifelong impact of family engagement throughout a child's schooling experiences and the use of mixed reality in teacher preparation. Interdisciplinary collaboration across programs within a school of education are considered.