ADVANCING RACIAL

EQUITY IN EARLY

LEARNING

THE ART OF CONVERSATION

Behaviors that help take conversation to a deeper realm We acknowledge one another as equals We try to stay curious about each other We recognize that we need each other’s help to become

better listeners We slow down so we have time to think and reflect We remember that conversation is the natural way humans

think together We expect it to be messy at times

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COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS

An invitation Show up (or choose to be

present) Pay attention (to heart and

meaning) Tell the truth (without blame or

judgment) Be open to outcome (not

attached to outcome)

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USING A LENS OF RACIAL EQUITY

It allows us to uncover the policies practices and behaviors that sustains unequal outcomes for children.

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Individual

Institutional

Structural

Forms of Racism

TARGETED UNIVERSALISM

This approach supports the needs of the particular while reminding us that we are all part of the same social fabric.

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WHERE HAVE WE BEEN?

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PHASE I: DEVELOPMENT Racial Equity

Theory of Change (RETOC)

THE VISION

In Washington, we work together so that all children start life with a solid foundation for success, based on strong families and a world-class early learning system for all children prenatal through third grade. Accessible, accountable, and developmentally and culturally appropriate, our system partners with families to ensure that every child is healthy, capable and confident in school and in life.

― Washington Early Learning Planwww.thrivebyfivewa.org

“While early childhood education has the proven potential to prevent educational inequity, if not dramatically improved, it will do the reverse and perpetuate it.”

― Sharon Lynn Kagan, “American Early Childhood Education: Preventing or Perpetuating Inequity?” Equity Matters: Research Review No. 3, April 2009

ESSENTIAL QUESTION

How can we use a racial equity lens to help inform

our approach in supporting the

development of an early learning system at the local and state level?

WHAT IS A RACIAL EQUITY THEORY OF CHANGE?

A vision of…

… what we want to accomplish

… with logical sequence of steps for getting there

… and informed logic

… that are also informed and disciplined by a structural racism analytical framework

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RACIAL EQUITY THEORY OF CHANGE (RETOC)

Step #1: What We Want – Defining our Racial Equity Outcome

Step #2: What We Need – Identifying the Building Blocks for Change

Step #3: What Helps or Stands in the Way – Identifying Policies, Practices, Cultural Representations

Step #4: What We Must Know – Understanding the Politics of Change

Step #5: What We Must Do – Gearing Up for Action

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RETOC DECISION-MAKING

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Brainstorm Refine Reflect

Stakeholder Group

Stakeholder Group

Working Group

PHASE II: IMPLEMENTATION Community of

Practice

ARE Grants Strategy