Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood

Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood

A Step-by-Step Guide for Programs and Schools

Anni K. Reinking, Ed.D.
Reinking Education Consulting, LLC
Peoria, IL

Laycee Thigpen, MS.Ed.
Reinking Education Consulting, LLC
Peoria, IL

About the Authors

Dr. Anni K. Reinking is an educator and social justice advocate. With over 16 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, college professor, and professional development provider. Dr. Reinking focuses on increasing equity and diversity in educational environments through her consulting work.

Mrs. Laycee Thigpen is an education consultant with a focus on creating racially inclusive environments for young learners. She has extensive experience in early childhood education and is dedicated to combating biases in early learning settings.

Preface

This book aims to guide educators on their journey to implement diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) concepts in early childhood education. It offers practical strategies, reflection questions, and activities to help transform educational environments into inclusive spaces.

Contents

  1. Background on DEIAB for EI/ECE
    1.1. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging
    1.2. Purposeful Language to Coach and Lead
    1.3. Communicating Through Discomfort

  2. The Role and Challenges of Coaches and Leaders in Addressing DEIAB Transformation
    2.1. Importance of Coaching and Supervising
    2.2. Planning to Start the Work

  3. A Guide for Designing an Effective, Transformative DEIAB Program
    3.1. Designing the Agenda
    3.2. Initial Group Learning
    3.3. Equity and Diversity Workgroup

  4. Epilogue: Keep the Momentum Going

  5. References

  6. Appendixes

    • A Professional and Organization Criteria Checklist
    • B Professional Learning Goals Documentation
    • C Environmental Scan Scoring Guide

  7. Index

I. Background on DEIAB for EI/ECE

1. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging

Diversity encompasses the various social identities individuals possess, such as race, gender, and ability. Equity refers to fairness in policy and practice, while inclusion is the active engagement of all individuals, creating an environment welcoming to everyone. Access ensures that all individuals can participate fully in educational opportunities. Belonging refers to the feeling of being accepted and valued in a community.

Definitions

II. The Role and Challenges of Coaches and Leaders in Addressing DEIAB Transformation

4. Importance of Coaching and Supervising

Effective coaching involves guiding educators in recognizing and addressing implicit biases in their practices. Supervisors play a crucial role in supporting educators to identify personal and systemic barriers in educational settings.

5. Planning to Start the Work

Resources and tools, including the Anti-Ism Scale, will help educators assess the current state of their practices and identify areas for improvement.

III. A Guide for Designing an Effective, Transformative DEIAB Program

6. Designing the Agenda

This section provides guidelines for creating an agenda that includes equity-focused goals and objectives for workshops and training sessions aimed at early childhood educators.

7. Initial Group Learning

Activities designed to foster understanding of community agreements, define collective values, and outline the next steps in the DEIAB journey are discussed.

8. Equity and Diversity Workgroup

Details the structure and function of educational workgroups focused on promoting equity. This involves strategizing around programmatic changes, benefits of diversity, and addressing barriers to creating inclusive environments.

References

Excerpted from Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood by Anni Reinking, Ed.D., & Laycee Thigpen, MS. Ed.