From Head of Early Childhood: Transforming 'Doubt' into 'Do'

I accepted all that self-doubt and along with my vulnerability, as well as uncertainty and consciously committed to the work of DOING. I know I have blind spots as an educator and as a white woman who holds privilege. There are many things I want and need to learn about being a culturally responsive educator and leader so I am committing time to read, reflect and seek. I am reading books and articles, and following Twitter feeds and Instagram accounts where the conversations are real and messy, enlightening and uncomfortable. 

 

I wrote those words to the Early Childhood faculty back in October of 2018. Since then, my journey of learning and unlearning in the space of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) has continued both personally and professionally. 

 

As a school leader energized by attending this summer’s NAIS Diversity Leadership Institute, I see the work of DEI as integral to actualizing our Country School mission and upholding our four core values of Community, Curiosity, Courage and Kindness. These words, our north stars, unite each of us along this journey of becoming. I wanted to share with you the ways we are actualizing our core values through the lens of inclusion and belonging in Early Childhood.

Community: We seek, respect, and celebrate diversity and ignite a sense of belonging so everyone thrives. 

In Early Childhood, we support children to feel proud of their identity and we teach accurate and respectful language to describe who they are and who others are. To strengthen a child’s sense of self and family in the classroom, we create Identity Books in Beginners and explore Body Mapping in Kindergarten. 

Curosity: We explore, investigate and discover - inspiring a lift devoted to endless learning.

In Early Childhood, we support children’s understanding of diversity by guiding children to explore and discover how we are the same and how we are different. Through monthly self portraits, daily read-alouds as well as partner work, we honor and celebrate the joy of human diversity in our classroom and in the world around us. 

 

                                                                             Partner Portraits         
                        

Courage: We take risks, make mistakes, assume responsibility, and champion those around us. 

In Early Childhood, we cultivate children’s innate capacities for empathy and fairness, as well as their cognitive skills for thinking critically about what is happening around them. We help children to understand and to practice using the skills needed for identifying unfair and untrue images, comments, and behaviors directed at themselves or others. 

~ a Kindergartener

Kindness: We foster a culture of compassion through our daily words and actions.

In Early Childhood, we give children tools for action to create a culture where multiple perspectives are considered, the tangible skills of empathy and problem solving are taught, and where being a helper and advocate is encouraged. We give children the tools for learning how to stand up to hurtful and unfair behavior. 

            Offering a helping hand                

I feel the urgency of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work at the Early Childhood level because I know that the basis of adult thinking begins in these formative years. We know young children notice similarities and differences. During these early years, children form ideas, concepts and eventually their own belief system. They, then construct ideas about themselves and others - ideas about age, gender, physical features, culture, disability, what is fair and unfair. 

Knowing that children are constructing individual self concepts and social identities, asking ‘why’ questions about diversity, and are susceptible to believing misinformation and stereotypes they encounter about self and others, it is imperative that we engage in brave conversations around DEI topics with children. 

By giving children accurate, developmentally appropriate, matter-of-fact information, we help them develop their understanding of diversity and also communicate the feeling that differences are interesting, wonderful and something to be appreciated and celebrated. 

When we talk with young children about DEI topics we: Listen carefully Ask questions Respond with simple straight forward answers Check to see what the child has understood and is feeling Proceed in small steps

Every day in Early Childhood, we tend to the intellectual mind and feeling heart of each child. Thinking deeply, questioning confidently, and acting generously. Leading lives of impact and purpose. This is how we amplify the work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Early Childhood. This essential work is my commitment to the future.