We Seek to

Create opportunities for ongoing connection in the Ojai Valley with those seeking to continue the work of anti-bias and anti-racism in their respective schools and organizations.

1

Engage partner school parents in educational forums and Circles of Understanding to facilitate connection between anti-bias and anti-racism education within the classroom and within the home. 

2

Educate early childhood educators and school administration staff in anti-bias and anti-racism, to help foster inclusive early childhood spaces and respectful future generations.

3

How we know this work is needed

  • In a 2020 rapid survey of Ojai Valley preschool teachers and administrators, 100% of respondents affirmed they would like additional resources or support for conversations with children about race, skin color or other differences between children. 

  • 100% said they see a need for anti-bias or anti-racism support resources / education for parents.

  • When asked to rank 5 interventions to support ABAR,  the highest ranked need identified by participants was continuing education for teachers, second highest was additional resources for parents of young children. 

  • In 2019, the National Association for the Education of Young Children published a position statement affirming that “all early childhood educators have a professional obligation to advance equity... and work to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities.”

  • Between the ages of 2 and 5, children develop awareness of race, gender, ethnicity, class, and differing abilities. They also develop biases at this time of life.

  • There are over 850 children ages 0-5 in our Ojai Valley community (US Census 2020). By focusing on the very young in our community at a time when their experiences shape their identity, how they see the world, how they develop empathy and treat others, and how they do or do not experience security, we can work towards a more just society for all.

  • When we look at what is happening in the world - school shootings, gun violence, a polarized democratic nation and severe mental health needs throughout our community, we know interventions in early childhood are tremendously impactful.  A child who is seen, held in their identity, supported in discovery, and loved in all their full self, becomes a more secure adult, and is less likely to engage in bullying or isolating behaviors.  To create environments for children to feel this way, their grownups need this type of education and support to bring their full selves to their work and to be ready for brave and supportive conversations with young children exploring their world and their identities.

Our methods are informed by experts

We reference the work of national, state and local organizations seeking to create inclusive early childhood learning environments for young children, and supporting teachers and parents in intervening when they see bias.

We support the identity work and brave conversations of the grown-ups.

We lean on expert advisors with extensive history in early childhood education, secure attachment, mental health and anti-racism and social justice work

In group sessions, we use:

  1. Facilitated discussions among the grown-ups, in the style of Council, and reflective feedback and listening

  2. Safe small group activities for young children and grown-ups to engage in the work of discovery around race, culture, identity, family, classroom, and the self

  3. Professional Development curriculum to support teachers and school staff ongoing learning and deepening of their practice as teachers

  4. Community Gatherings to connect and support both informally and formally

  5. Library partnerships to enhance learning through a lending library and library sponsored learning