Creating high quality early childhood environments
Creating a high-quality early childhood setting is a key aspect of improving long-term outcomes for students with and without disabilities and their families. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) states within their core values that, “children are best understood and supported in the context of family, culture, community, and society” (NAEYC 2011, p. 1). Thus, school leaders and administrators are charged with cultivating an environment that supports and is reflective of all children. The book Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood (2023) offers a blueprint for analyzing and transforming programmatic development and practices through an equity lens.
Written with instructional coaches and school leaders in mind, the authors introduce approachable content that bridges the gap between diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) training and the concrete strategies for transformative implementation across early childhood settings. It merges the teaching and reflective components of anti-bias education (Derman-Sparks et al., 2020) and the principles of implementation science. The book is divided into three major areas of content. Part one provides a foundational context for DEIAB work within early childhood. It addresses definitions, myths, establishing a common language, and navigating difficult conversations. Part two addresses the role and challenges of coaches and leaders. It examines adult learning principles and the reflective practices needed for successful coaching outcomes. Finally, part three dives deeply into programmatic development and implementation. It outlines the initial steps and strategies needed to introduce and build capacity within a DEIAB framework. Woven throughout the chapters are touchpoints for reflection and case studies that facilitate additional learning opportunities.
Below are additional resources to support early childhood educators and the families they serve. Books and materials that support this topic are available for checkout through TTAC’s library system.
Resources
Anti-bias Education in Action: The Early Years Film
Equity and inclusion. ECE Resource Hub. (2023).
https://eceresourcehub.org/ece-resource-hub/strategy-library/equity-and-inclusion/
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2019). Advancing equity in early childhood education: A position statement of the national association for the education of young children. Washington, DC: NAEYC.
Webinar: Coaching Early Educators for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging
References
Derman-Sparks, Edwards, J. O., & Goins, C. M. (2020). Anti-bias education for young children & ourselves. 2nd. ed. National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Reinking, A. K. (2024). Coaching for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in early childhood: A step-by-step guide for programs and schools. Brookes Publishing Co.
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2011). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment [Brochure]. https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/position-statements/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011_09202013update.pdf
For more information, contact Adrienne Quarles-Smith, ([email protected]), Program Specialist, T/TAC at VCU.