This session is designed to expand upon the learning from last year that explored the role of intersecting identities, privilege, and power in early childhood settings to promote a racial equity and justice. In this session, shifting from awareness to racial equity action and practice will be the focus of this session. Action is necessary to change the longstanding poorer outcomes, especially among children, families, and early childhood professionals that are Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color. Particular attention will be given to recognizing the role of social determinants of health, in creating disparities in health and education, and how early childhood professionals’ action or activities intersect in this dynamic process, at a critical touch point.
To move from theory and research to practice, we will critically examine what early childhood professionals do and could do to better create more equitable and inclusive spaces for all the children and families served. We will critically examine our beliefs, values, and practices, 2) explore and practice strategies to reduce bias and biased practices, and 3) create an individual plan considering our strengths, areas of growth, barriers, and opportunities. In addition, we will discuss wellness and its role in the pursuit of racial equity and engage in wellness activities throughout the session for our wellness and to promote wellness in racial equity work.
Watch this video reading of “Just Help Me: A Research Poem by Black Mothers.” Dr. Parker created this poem by compiling powerful quotations from Black mothers who participated in her research. Source: Parker, A. (2022). Just Help Me: A Research Poem by Black Mothers. Qualitative Inquiry. Spoken word video: Davis, A. (2021, April 10). Black moms [Video].
Session Objectives
Participants will:
- Understand the role of intersecting identities, privilege, bias, and power and both individual and organizational practices
- Learn strategies to reduce personal biases and biased actions/behaviors
- Assess themselves, their practices, and agency and create goals and a plan for change
- Develop a plan for their wellness including supports across contexts
MN CoE innovations supported
Classroom Engagement model, Pyramid model, EQIP
Intended audience
All
Intended skill level
All
Each session requires a minimum of 10 attendees to be held. If there are fewer than 10 registered for a specific session, you will be contacted and asked to select another session.
Instructor
Amittia Parker, PhD, LMSW, Level III IMH-E®
Dr. Parker provides training and technical assistance for the National Center on Health, Behavioral Health, and Safety at Georgetown’s Center for Child Health and Human Development. Her research, scholarship, consultation, and service focuses on advancing minority mental health and equity, particularly among families that are pregnant and parenting young children.