Early childhood educators, early learning settings, higher education and professional development systems, and public policy all have important roles in forging a new path for the future.
The recommendations are based on a set of principles that synthesize current early childhood education research through the lenses of equity and NAEYC’s core values.
NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.
Work to change any policy that either directly or through unintended negative consequences undermines children’s physical and emotional well-being or weakens the bonds between children and their families.
This position statement is one of five foundational documents NAEYC has developed in collaboration with the early childhood profession. With its specific focus on advancing equity in early childhood education.
Three years ago, the Child Care Center at Hort Woods made a formal commitment to teaching anti-bias education. Center leaders and teachers recognized that an anti-bias program was one way of helping the 170 children and families who attend the center.
The primary focus of this special issue of Young Children is teachers’ decision making and actions within the social and cultural context of developmentally appropriate practice as it pertains to Black children.
This article outlines some of the factors that contribute to the achievement gap between African Americans and White Americans and ends with recommendations for educators, administrators, and policy makers to help equalize educational opportunities.