Approximately 45% of young black children in the United States (under the age of six) live in poverty. It is well documented that education and economic security are inextricably linked and that early learning and early reading are undisputed contributors to a successful education. This book presents both the challenges and opportunities that exist for addressing the critical needs of black children, who have been historically underserved in the U.S. education system. This book explores the language, cognitive, social-emotional, and health development of black children from birth to age 8. The chapters approach this in three ways; first, they tackle why it is problematic to only characterize Black children's accomplishment in terms of "academic achievement." Second, they discuss the importance of the home-school environment connection. Lastly, they discuss the changes that need to be in teacher preparation in order to ensure that the workforce can practice racial equity in the classroom. These issues are woven together by a call to close the education opportunity gap via 'equity adjustments' that can target educational and health disparities facing the black community.

This timely book will help early care and education teachers, leaders, administrators, coaches, and staff deliver on the promise of high-quality education for all children. The authors provide inspiration, practical tools, and resources through the antibias, antiracist, culturally responsive practices framework (ABAR CRP). This teacher-friendly text shows how to engage in self-inquiry and evaluate current classroom practices while embedding new ones that advance the learning and well-being of children, especially those from minoritized and poor communities. Readers will find tools and assessments to support the implementation of culturally grounded practices that will improve outcomes for diverse children in early childhood settings and systems. This book connects history to current events, supports self-inquiry, encourages a shift in mindset and, most importantly, offers guidance for creating affirming and joyful spaces for young children to learn. Book Features: "Design an Activity for Children" section asks teachers to create a classroom activity incorporating the information they have learned. "Discussions About Real-World Dilemmas" presents a problem and asks readers to discuss how they would resolve it. "Exercises That Promote Critical Reflection" encourage teachers to think about how they are a product of the beliefs, values, and social-political history of their cultural group. "What Would You Do" reflective questions that help teachers to problem-solve how they might react during difficult situations.

The goal of every early educator is to prepare all students for school success—but for young Black children, entrenched biases and racial inequities have created an achievement gap that must be closed. Transform your practices and work for systemic change with this visionary guidebook, a comprehensive roadmap to promoting racial equity in early childhood education. The only handbook of its kind that takes a rigorous, in‐depth look at the historical roots of racial bias, this book goes beyond band‐aid approaches to equity and prioritizes real transformation and healing: of adults, communities, programs, systems, and children. Grounded in research but focused on action, this empowering guide offers both deep foundational knowledge and practical classroom strategies that promote better outcomes for Black children and families. Contributions from voices of experience—influential scholars, teachers, and parents—offer authentic perspectives on the impact of racism and the importance of anti‐racist practices. A must for educators, administrators, and policymakers working toward equity and justice, this book will help early childhood professionals dismantle inequitable systems and ensure high‐quality learning experiences for every child. EARLY EDUCATORS WILL LEARN HOW TO: recognize the many ways racialized bias shows up within the early childhood system challenge the implicit bias that shapes their perceptions and practices develop a deep and shared understanding of key terms used within racial equity dialogue create culturally responsive anti‐bias (CRAB) education environments, with sample lessons and guidance on curriculum design help young Black children build and maintain a positive racial identity strengthen school‐family partnerships by developing culturally responsive relationships with families take action to resolve racial inequities in suspensions and expulsions address historical and racial trauma to help children, staff, and families heal make a plan to revise data collection systems in ways that promote racial equity begin the challenging but necessary work of high‐level systems change Includes chapters from influential voices in the field: Justin Perry Rosemarie Allen Walter Gilliam Tameka Ardrey Doré R. LaForett Iheoma U. Iruka Aisha White

This timely book will help early care and education teachers, leaders, administrators, coaches, and staff deliver on the promise of high-quality education for all children. The authors provide inspiration, practical tools, and resources through the antibias, antiracist, culturally responsive practices framework (ABAR CRP). This teacher-friendly text shows how to engage in self-inquiry and evaluate current classroom practices while embedding new ones that advance the learning and well-being of children, especially those from minoritized and poor communities. Readers will find tools and assessments to support the implementation of culturally grounded practices that will improve outcomes for diverse children in early childhood settings and systems. This book connects history to current events, supports self-inquiry, encourages a shift in mindset and, most importantly, offers guidance for creating affirming and joyful spaces for young children to learn. Book Features: "Design an Activity for Children" section asks teachers to create a classroom activity incorporating the information they have learned. "Discussions About Real-World Dilemmas" presents a problem and asks readers to discuss how they would resolve it. "Exercises That Promote Critical Reflection" encourage teachers to think about how they are a product of the beliefs, values, and social-political history of their cultural group. "What Would You Do" reflective questions that help teachers to problem-solve how they might react during difficult situations.