Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood
Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood
A Step-by-Step Guide for Programs and Schools
Anni K. Reinking, Ed.D.
Laycee Thigpen, MS.Ed.
Contents
- About the Downloads
- About the Authors
- Preface
- Acknowledgments
I Background on DEIAB for EI/ECE
1 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging
Definitions
Myths of Equity
2 Purposeful Language to Coach and Lead
Purposeful Language Around Identity
Intersectionality
Subjective Versus Objective Language
3 Communicating Through Discomfort
Emotional Intelligence
Kind Versus Nice
Hindering Communication
Active Listening
Using Communication to Make Progress
II The Role and Challenges of Coaches and Leaders in Addressing DEIAB Transformation
4 Importance of Coaching and Supervising
Coaching
Supervising
Setting Professional Development Goals
5 Planning to Start the Work
Planning
Anti-Ism Scale
Coaching to the Anti-Ism Scale
III A Guide for Designing an Effective, Transformative DEIAB Program
6 Designing the Agenda
Writing Workshop Objectives
Whole-Group Learning Topics
7 Initial Group Learning
Morning Meeting
Community Agreements
Define Your Why
Concluding the Meeting
The Next Steps
8 Equity and Diversity Workgroup
What Is Needed for a Diversity Workgroup?
Benefits of a Diverse Workgroup
Positive Group Dynamics
Barriers to Creating a Diverse Workgroup
Planning for Programmatic Changes
12 Epilogue: Keep the Momentum Going
Moving Forward With Administrator Support
Climbing the Mountainside
References
Appendixes
A Professional and Organization Criteria Checklist
B Professional Learning Goals Documentation
C Environmental Scan Scoring Guide
Index
About the Authors
Dr. Anni K. Reinking is an educator, author, researcher, and a social justice advocate who has been in education for more than 16 years.
Laycee Thigpen is an education consultant and researcher who focuses on developing racially inclusive environments for early childhood students, families, and educators.
Preface
Wherever you are in your equity-focused learning journey, we welcome you to this brave space of learning, reading, and reflecting.
Background on DEIAB for EI/ECE
The history of America is built on exclusion, oppression, power, and privilege; however, this reality is often hidden in early childhood education. Children are ready to learn about these issues, and it is essential to equip educators to address them.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging
Definitions will ground you in a common language for moving toward change.
Identity (Social)
Each individual possesses multiple identities that shape their experiences, and educators must recognize this diversity in their classrooms to foster inclusive environments.
Myths of Equity
- Children in early childhood are too young to learn about equity.
- It is fine to just keep things like they are.
- This is just more work for teachers.
- “I don’t see color.”
This content outlines the approach to coaching educators in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) practices in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of understanding social identities and the need for inclusive practices to support all students and families.