Pathway to Transfer: Validating the Lived Experiences of Nontraditional Students in an Early Childhood Program

This qualitative study explored how the life experiences of nontraditional Latina students influenced their decision to transfer from a community college to a state university as early childhood majors. Guided by Validation Theory, the researchers share the participants' stories in the areas of early schooling, language, and familial influences in order to analyze how this has affected their pursuit of higher education. The findings present multiple factors that are significant in improving the transfer process. The study provides recommendations such as developing relationships, hosting validating events, and increasing collaboration between the community college and state university as instrumental in creating a supportive transfer system.