From its earliest days, Head Start has been rooted in the search for justice, equality, and opportunity. We believe that Black lives matter. We believe Head Start’s role as a catalyst for hope serves as a beacon of light in communities. We believe today’s black Head Start children—innocent, inquisitive, and brilliant as they are—deserve a hopeful future where their lives are valued unequivocally.
Below are resources you can use to begin addressing racism and injustice with young children.
Starting Conversations about Black Lives Matter
- Talking to Children About Differences and Similarities (Office of Head Start)
- Advice for Families for How to Talk to Their Children (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Talking to Children Authentically about Race and Racism (PBS Kids)
- "Sesame Street" for Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism (Sesame Street)
- Why Talking to Your Kids About Race Is Good for Everyone (University of Washington's Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences)
- Race Today: What Kids Know as They Grow (University of Washington's Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences)
Talking About Race
- Online Portal: Talking About Race (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
- Talking to Kids About Racism (New York Times)
- Tips for Talking with Children About Racism and Social Justice (Save Our Children Action Network)
- Racism and Violence: Using Your Power as a Parent to Support Children Aged Two to Five (Zero to Three)
- Anti-Racism for Kids (Parents.com)
- Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often (New York Times)
- Helping Kids Process Violence, Trauma, and Race in a World of Non-Stop News (Common Sense)
- Family Resources: Understanding Racism (Noggin)
- Comments from Board of Directors Past Chair Damon Carson on having conversations about racism and justice with young children and their families (NHSA)
Understanding Bias
- Bias Buster Basics and Bias Buster Essentials (NHSA)
- The Unconscious Bias: An Educator's Self-Assessment (First Book)
- Start with Equity: Data, Research and an Actionable Policy Agenda (Children's Equity Project, in partnership with the Bipartisan Policy Center)
Promoting Empathy
- Resources for Race, Equity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion (We Need Diverse Books)
- The Stories for All Project (First Book)
- Multicultural Principles for Early Childhood Learners (Office of Head Start)
- Diverse Book Finder (We Need Diverse Books)
Practicing Trauma-Informed Care
- Healing Action and Healing Justice Toolkits (Black Lives Matter)
- Resources for Early Childhood Educators (D.C. Area Black Lives Matter)
- Fostering Healing Through Trauma-Informed Practices (Office of Head Start)
- Trauma Toolkit for Educators (First Book)
- Equity in Early Childhood Education Collection (New America)
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