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.

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.