Neitzel Excerpt.pdf
The Handbook of Racial Equity in Early Childhood Education
by Jen Neitzel, Ph.D. Educational Equity Institute Charlotte, North Carolina and Ebonyse Mead, Ed.D. Educational Equity Institute Savannah, Georgia with invited contributors
The Handbook of Racial Equity in Early Childhood Education
Contents
- About the Authors ... vii
- About the Contributors ... ix
- Preface ... xi
- Chapter 1 Current Issues and Challenges ... 1
- Chapter 2 Racial Healing as a Pathway to Racial Equity ... 13
- Chapter 3 Creating a Shared Language ... 27
- Chapter 4 Whiteness in Early Childhood Education ... 39
- Chapter 5 Historical Trauma ... 51
- Chapter 6 Suspensions and Expulsions in Early Childhood Education ... 63
- Chapter 7 The Role of Culturally Responsive Anti-Bias Education ... 73
- Chapter 8 Culturally Responsive Family Engagement ... 89
- Chapter 9 Equity-Aligned Uses of Data Collection and Data Systems in Early Childhood Education ... 95
- Chapter 10 Positive Racial Identity Development ... 105
- Chapter 11 A Transformed Early Childhood System ... 119
- Chapter 12 Systems Change ... 129
- Afterword ... 141
- Appendix A Positive Racial Identity Development: First Person Voices ... 143
- Appendix B Anti-Racist Resources ... 155
- Bibliography ... 159
About the Authors
Jen Neitzel, Ph.D., Executive Director, Educational Equity Institute, Charlotte, North Carolina
Dr. Jen Neitzel is the Executive Director of the Educational Equity Institute. She received her B.S. degree in child development from the University of Pittsburgh and began her career in the classroom in Pittsburgh as a teacher of young children with significant behavioral challenges. In 1998, she moved to Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where she worked in a group home for adults with autism. Following this, she began her studies at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, where she received a master’s degree in early intervention. After her doctoral studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, where she earned a Ph.D. in education specializing in early childhood, Dr. Neitzel became a full-time researcher and technical assistant focused on educational equity.
Ebonyse Mead, Ed.D., Clinical Instructor, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro
Dr. Ebonyse Mead is a clinical instructor in the birth-to-kindergarten teacher education program at Georgia Southern University and is president of the Educational Equity Institute. For 20 years, Dr. Mead has worked in communities to improve health and educational outcomes for racially and ethnically diverse children and their families. She has extensive experience advocating for equitable and just programs in early childhood education.
Preface
In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on racial inequities in early childhood education, particularly related to the suspensions and expulsions of young Black boys. Throughout this book, we focus primarily on Black children and families for several reasons. The deepest disparities across systems in our country are with Black children and families, rooted in anti-Blackness.
Following the murder of George Floyd in May 2020, there was a significant societal reckoning regarding racism, emphasizing the need for racial equity in early childhood education. This book emphasizes transformational change, encouraging educators, administrators, and policymakers to commit to ongoing learning and reflection to address racial disparities in educational practices and outcomes.
Current Issues Related to Equity in Early Childhood
Preschool Suspensions and Expulsions
Young Black children are disproportionately affected by suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings. This issue is largely influenced by implicit bias, anti-Blackness, and systemic structures that perpetuate these disparities.
Instructional Practices
Research shows that Black children may experience different instructional practices compared to their White peers, impacting their long-term academic success. Enhancing the quality and equity of instructional practices is vital for Black children's achievement.
Teacher–Child Relationships
Research indicates that Black children often have less positive relationships with their teachers than their White peers, which can adversely affect their academic outcomes.
Access to High-Quality Early Learning Programs
High-quality early childhood education is critical for equity. However, many Black children lack access to quality programs, often due to socioeconomic factors and systemic barriers.
Moving Forward
To further commit to anti-racism, educators should:
- Educate themselves through reading, listening to podcasts, and watching documentaries focusing on race and racism.
- Reflect on personal learning and experiences regarding race and systemic bias.
- Notice and observe occurrences of discrimination and bias in everyday life.
- Exhibit grace towards themselves and others in this ongoing journey.
In conclusion, achieving equity and justice in early childhood education demands sustained commitment to personal and societal transformation. This book serves as a resource for educators dedicated to dismantling inequitable systems and ensuring high-quality learning experiences for every child.