# 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. ### Laycee Thigpen, MS.Ed. --- ## Contents - About the Downloads - About the Authors - Preface - Acknowledgments # I Background on DEIAB for EI/ECE ## 1 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging ### Definitions ### Myths of Equity ## 2 Purposeful Language to Coach and Lead ### Purposeful Language Around Identity ### Intersectionality ### Subjective Versus Objective Language ## 3 Communicating Through Discomfort ### Emotional Intelligence ### Kind Versus Nice ### Hindering Communication ### Active Listening ### Using Communication to Make Progress # II The Role and Challenges of Coaches and Leaders in Addressing DEIAB Transformation ## 4 Importance of Coaching and Supervising ### Coaching ### Supervising ### Setting Professional Development Goals ## 5 Planning to Start the Work ### Planning ### Anti-Ism Scale ### Coaching to the Anti-Ism Scale # III A Guide for Designing an Effective, Transformative DEIAB Program ## 6 Designing the Agenda ### Writing Workshop Objectives ### Whole-Group Learning Topics ## 7 Initial Group Learning ### Morning Meeting ### Community Agreements ### Define Your Why ### Concluding the Meeting ### The Next Steps ## 8 Equity and Diversity Workgroup ### What Is Needed for a Diversity Workgroup? ### Benefits of a Diverse Workgroup ### Positive Group Dynamics ### Barriers to Creating a Diverse Workgroup ### Planning for Programmatic Changes ## 12 Epilogue: Keep the Momentum Going ## Moving Forward With Administrator Support ## Climbing the Mountainside # References # Appendixes ## A Professional and Organization Criteria Checklist ## B Professional Learning Goals Documentation ## C Environmental Scan Scoring Guide # Index --- ## About the Authors Dr. Anni K. Reinking is an educator, author, researcher, and a social justice advocate who has been in education for more than 16 years. Laycee Thigpen is an education consultant and researcher who focuses on developing racially inclusive environments for early childhood students, families, and educators. ## Preface Wherever you are in your equity-focused learning journey, we welcome you to this brave space of learning, reading, and reflecting. ## Background on DEIAB for EI/ECE The history of America is built on exclusion, oppression, power, and privilege; however, this reality is often hidden in early childhood education. Children are ready to learn about these issues, and it is essential to equip educators to address them. ### Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging Definitions will ground you in a common language for moving toward change. #### Identity (Social) Each individual possesses multiple identities that shape their experiences, and educators must recognize this diversity in their classrooms to foster inclusive environments. ### Myths of Equity 1. **Children in early childhood are too young to learn about equity.** 2. **It is fine to just keep things like they are.** 3. **This is just more work for teachers.** 4. **“I don’t see color.”** --- This content outlines the approach to coaching educators in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB) practices in early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of understanding social identities and the need for inclusive practices to support all students and families.