Vision:
Recognize and respect the unique value of every individual’s culture, family structure, language, race, gender, ability, religion, and economic class.
Mission:
Take a holistic approach to understanding the impact of racism and inequity on the early childhood community. We will do this by:
- Building collaborative relationships between families and early childhood professionals to support all children with equitable opportunities.
- Recognizing individual backgrounds and our own biases (implicit and explicit) to meet children and families where they are and provide differing levels of support depending on individual need.
- Providing training and support for early childhood professionals to foster success and maximize each child’s potential.
Equity & Advocacy Through Action
What can we do? That’s the question I have pondered over the last few weeks as many of us have been overwhelmed by the current political climate and how the things transpiring may affect our jobs, families, and the children that we serve. In a time of such upheaval and uncertainty, it is easy to feel powerless and perplexed as to what to do. It’s not surprising that many of us want to disconnect, turn down the volume of the world, and retreat. Undoubtedly, self-care is essential in a time like this, and it’s important to know when to tap out and take a break from it all. Rest will be needed for the call to action that is upon us. It will be up to us to come together, as a community, and advocate for the principals and resources needed to uphold the field of early childhood education. Advocacy happens at every intersection, whether it be grandeur or small, it is all impactful and necessary. Advocating to have books that are culturally reflective of the children in your program and meeting with elected officials to lobby for various legislation are equally important. No one act is too small, it all matters, and there is something each of us can do to uphold the principles of equity and advocate through our daily actions. We are resilient and our power is amplified through our unity. I implore you to tap into your why, allow your passion to fuel you to press on to continue to show up for yourselves, each other, and the children and families that we serve.
Shemik Sellars
Equity Circle Lead
It would be an honor to have you join the Equity and Racism Circle. Our next meeting will be March 26, 2025 via zoom at 6:30 p.m. No registration is required, just join the conversation HERE.
The Equity Circle has a new Facebook Group to have ongoing conversations and share resources. It is found HERE.
The recording from the January 24, 2024 meeting with guest presenter Sam Cipolla, PT, DPT on Accessible Parks is now available for viewing HERE.
Won't you join the conversation? To be added to the Circle email announcement list email HERE.