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Equity & Anti-Bias in Your Classroom |
"All children have the right to equitable learning opportunities that enable them to achieve their full potential as engaged learners and valued members of society." |
The above quote is NAEYC's position statement on advancing equity in early childhood education. It is one of five "foundational documents" they have created as a framework to guide the ECE field to its own full potential as shapers of our future.
How can we, as teachers, administrators, and others supporting the development of our young children, build equitable learning opportunities?
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LEARN: Get specific strategies from the expert presenters on the free "Creating Inclusive and Equitable Classroom Experiences" webinar. (Make sure to check out the related blog post for a deeper dive into educator questions!)
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THINK: NAEYC shares recommendations for early childhood educators, administrators, and everyone to consider when implementing more equitable practices in your classroom and relationships.
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DO: Build an anti-bias bookshelf! WCSS's own Early Childhood Initiatives department has created book lists you can use to bring anti-bias education to your storytimes. Find the Infants - Twos book list and the Preschool book list to view or print!
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For the home - content provided by our partner: |
Talking with Our Children about Racism |
SHOULD we talk with our children about racism? In US society, racism is a taboo subject, particularly in white communities. Talking about racism can be challenging and uncomfortable, which is why many parents and teachers avoid the subject at home and in the classroom. However, racism - a system of oppression against people of color that is woven into every institution in US society - flourishes in secrecy and silence. So, if we want to dismantle racism, we need to start talking about it - especially with the children in our lives.
HOW do we talk with children about racism? Books are a wonderful avenue for engaging young people. Check out Not My Idea by Anastasia Higginbotham or The Youngest Marcher by Cynthia Levinson from your local Wake County Public Libraries branch. Visit the "Talking about Race and Racism" section of the WCSS COVID-19 Resource page for more ideas. After you've finished the story, check in with your child. Ask them what they noticed or what questions they have. Talk about how the story made you feel. The key is to have a conversation. You don't need to worry about being an expert yourself.
Adults, you can educate yourselves as well. Try NPR's "Code Switch" podcast or the book White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo.
And remember: as an adult, you have the power to shape children's minds and incline the next generation toward more equity and respect for human life. What an exciting and powerful responsibility!
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Wake Connections is a one-stop coordinated intake system for families in Wake County. One click gets you connected to SecurePath and other Wake Connections programs. |
Change the Future for Your Child - Online! |
Wake Pre-K: the way to grow, learn, and play!
The Wake Pre-K Application Center is your link to free, safe, and fun Pre-K options for your child... and now you can apply online!
If your child will turn 4 by August 31, 2021, you can apply for the Pre-K year that starts in Fall 2021! One online application will connect you to Wake County's public Pre-K programs. Plus, we enroll all year long!
Pre-K: what your child learns here lasts a lifetime!
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Featured Book: I Promise
Written by: LeBron James
Illustrated by: Nina Mata
Highlights: I Promise is a lively and inspiring picture book that reminds us that tomorrow's success starts with the promises we make to ourselves and our community today.
Best for: Toddlers and Pre-K
Wake County Public Library Programming: WCPL's "Play Your Way to K," an early learning game, continues the excitement of storytime at home and promotes the early literacy skills of reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing which are essential for a smooth transition to Kindergarten.
Literacy Tip: Practice turn taking by making it a game! How long can you go back and forth rolling a ball or building with blocks? These games are not only fun, they help reinforce the concept of waiting.
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Want FREE books for your child under 5? Join Dolly Parton's Imagination Library today! |
P.S. Have you seen our first read-along video? Lynn Policastro, WCSS's Healthy Initiatives Coordinator, reads the Imagination Library book Baking Day at Grandma's and bakes some yummy carrot cake cupcakes (recipe below)! |
Each month we celebrate the child care facilities that have recently obtained or retained a five star rating!
Congratulations to:
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This recipe for healthy carrot cake cupcakes is featured in the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library read-along video at the top of this newsletter!
Tip: Gather your ingredients together before you start baking to make it easier!
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Visit CCSA's training calendar for all upcoming events.
Note: ITS-SIDS is available virtually until 6/30/2021.
Playground Safety
February 8-9, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Be Active Kids: Digging into the Components
February 11, 6:30 - 8pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Fostering Emotional Literacy: How Are You, How Am I
February 11, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Be Active Kids: Digging into the Components
February 18, 6:30 - 8pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
Exploring Social Emotional Development within the Context of Relationships
February 18, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Virtual/Online
Click here to register.
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Get creative with your recycling and try snowman bowling!
You can let your children decorate the bottles for even more wintery fun!
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Did you know WCSS is a nonprofit and relies on support from members of our community like you? Visit our website today to see how you can make a difference for each child, in every community in Wake County. |
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The WCSS office is closed, but staff are working remotely to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and in compliance with NC's "Safer at Home" Phase 3 order. You can find contact information for staff on our website. |
Find help navigating the pandemic on our COVID-19 Resource page:
- Assistance for families experiencing homelessness and eviction protection
- Wake County's COVID-19 vaccine hotline
- Podcasts just for kids age 2-6
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Questions? Contact us today 919-851-9550 |
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