Affiliates and Interest Forum members were invited by NAEYC to participate in a Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Learning Series (DEIB) that began in September 2022 and was completed in March, 2023. The six webinar sessions were facilitated by Dr. Patricia Morgan, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Executive Learning Lab.
During the six-month series we discussed the importance of knowing our own cultural identities as well as recognizing the identities of others. We discussed bias — both explicit and implicit, so that recognizing bias can lead to inclusive environments. The language we use, which can convey microaggressions, was studied so that we can recognize, respond to, and prevent hurtful words and actions. We learned how silence can prevent meaningful dialogue and effective change, and we discussed ways to dismantle oppression and unfairness by modeling inclusive behaviors, facilitating hard conversations and increasing our awareness of unfairness. We completed the series by focusing on racism and ways to disrupt racism to become anti-racist.
Both NAEYC and Dr. Morgan provided valuable tools for valuing diversity, and building inclusion and belonging, not only in our early childhood profession but also in all our communities. These tools are especially useful in the current challenges we face about developmentally appropriate practice in some states in our country. Speaking up is critical.
