DEI Resources: Black Lives Matter

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)