New Report Offers Recommendations for Dismantling Systemic Racism in Early Care and Education
A core element of addressing the systemic racism that exists in this country must be reforming the institutions, laws, and policies that disproportionately disadvantage people of color, and also creating opportunities that might begin the process of undoing the damage racism has caused over generations. A new resource from the Children’s Equity Project offers 14 critical priorities and actionable policies that federal and state policymakers can immediately and concretely utilize to advance equity in the early care and education system.
“It is essential that young children receive an equitable, positive, and healthy start. That is why any policy agenda to dismantle systemic racism in this country must include bold reforms to the ECE system that concretely address equity in access, experiences, and outcomes.”
Start with Equity: 14 Priorities to Dismantle Systemic Racism in Early Care and Education
The report was funded by our partners at the Heising Simons Foundation, and was created in partnership with the Equity Research Action Coalition, the National Black Child Development Institute, the Council for Professional Recognition, the National Indian Child Care Association, the National Head Start Association, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, The Education Trust, and the Build Initiative.
As the report states, the list of policies included is not meant to be exhaustive or deprioritize other changes critical to bringing about racial equity. Rather, “this policy agenda is meant to serve as one actionable roadmap with specific recommendations targeted at federal and state policymakers.”
This work also builds on a comprehensive report released by the Children’s Equity Project and the Bipartisan Policy Center in July of 2020 to shed a light on the grave inequities that have long pervaded the education system and continues to affect the lives of millions of children from historically marginalized communities, starting at birth.
Read the full report online here and below.
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