The BUILD Initiative’s Post

Hey #EarlyChildhood community. Tomorrow First Up is hosting a webinar to discuss their research and fieldwork #Phillidelphia focused on promoting 'Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education' ( P.R.I.D.E ). When I read this I knew I had to attend: "Young children developing positive racial identity is a key aspect of healthy, whole child development. "For young children within the ages of 3 to 8, having a positive racial identity means feeling good about one’s physical features, heritage, and history. This concept is vitally important to young Black children’s healthy growth and development, and it’s one backed by research. Studies have shown that when young Black children are socialized to see themselves in positive ways, those attitudes can lead to positive outcomes like increased test scores, better factual recall, and improved problem-solving skills. " You can learn more and register here: https://lnkd.in/dDNduVmF #ece #k12, #childdevelopment, #equity #education #earlylearning #earlychilddevelopment #Kindergarten #childcare #preschool #race

Today marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in honour of the children who did not return home and the survivors of residential schools.       The Rick Hansen Foundation is committed to educating and empowering our staff to take action towards truth and reconciliation and find ways we can be allies to support Indigenous, Inuit, and Métis communities through our work.  We are proud to be building and strengthening relationships with indigenous communities across the country including Seabird Island Band, Malahat Nation and Ditiadaht First Nation who are participating in our BC Accessibility Grants program to train communities, rate and upgrade spaces for accessibility. In 2022, we had a conversation with Dr. Rheanna Robinson about the intersectionality of disability and indigeneity, which has helped us shift our perspectives. Dr. Rheanna Robinson is a Métis woman in Prince George, B.C.  who lives with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. We are re-sharing what we learned from Dr. Robinson with you today in the spirit of learning and unlearning. Dr. Robinson explains that the notion of disability as being a singular, overarching term is a colonial social construct. Given the rich diversity among Indigenous peoples — including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples — the colonial perspective of disability does not necessarily align with the traditional views of many Indigenous groups. In many Indigenous languages, there is no word for ‘disability.’  Discover the full article:  https://lnkd.in/gHG9hg7S Additionally, we recommend reading the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report, following Indigenous content creators on social media, purchasing from Indigenous-owned businesses, and learning about the lands on which you live, and wearing orange to honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.    Every Child Matters 🧡  #NDTR, #TruthAndReconciliation, #OrangeShirtDay, #EveryChildMatters 

"Unlocking Potential: Why Early Childhood Solutions Matter 💡 #InvestInKids #FutureLeaders #EarlyEducation #ChildDevelopment #SuccessStories #EducationForAll #EconomicGrowth #WorkforceDevelopment #Equality #AccessForAll #BrighterFutures #Empowerment #CommunityImpact #TransformingLives #EducationMatters #NextGeneration #ImpactInvesting #SocialJustice #Innovation #TogetherWeCan #ChangeMakers #InvestInOurFuture" https://lnkd.in/dQS2tfCs 3.5

Young Exceptional Children Special Issue Call for Manuscripts: Promoting Inclusive Practices to Advance Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice Young Exceptional Children (YEC), the leading practitioner journal to support young children birth to age 8 with disabilities, and their families, is seeking articles focused on promoting inclusive practices that advance equity, diversity, and social justice for the December 2024 Issue. Enhancing and sustaining opportunities for young children with support needs, including children with disabilities, to engage in inclusive environments is a core feature of high-quality early intervention and early childhood special education experiences. We are soliciting articles that include innovative strategies that will advance the field towards universally accessible inclusive environments for all young children. Successful submissions will reflect the following features: ● Include innovative strategies that enhance engagement in and access to inclusive settings for young children with support needs and their families/caretakers ● Address equity, diversity, and social justice for young children and their families ● Include at least one author whose current role is a practitioner, educator, or family member supporting young children with support needs. This may also include an author with lived experiences with disability. ● Support DEC in actualizing the action steps highlighted in DEC’s Racial Equity Point of View Learn more: https://wix.to/0RkU2PC #EarlyIntervention #EI #EarlyChildhoodSpecialEducation #ECSE #InclusiveEducation #Inclusion #Equity #SocialJustice #BecauseItMatters

The social model of disability in education shifts the focus from the individual to the system, highlighting the need to remove barriers that hinder access. It advocates for inclusive practices, such as accessible curricula and flexible teaching methods, ensuring that all students can fully participate. Rather than isolating students with disabilities, this approach integrates them into general classrooms with appropriate support, emphasizing that schools must adapt to diverse needs to provide equitable opportunities for all learners.

The “schools” conversation happens everywhere: playgrounds, birthday parties, family get-togethers, even in line to get coffee. For many White and/or privileged parents, school choice anxiety is fed by peer pressure, our own insecurities about parenting, and a cultural assumption that our child’s success and happiness in life hinge heavily on our educational choices. It is also steeped in a racially-biased “broken schools” narrative that presumes that public education is failing us, and that schools are either “bad” (common) or “good” (exceptional). ... For those of us thinking about integration and racial justice, these conversations can be messy and nuanced and complicated. That’s why we’ve created a PDF guide to help you. This guide is designed to help you engage in the “schools” conversation in ways that ultimately transform the toxic schools narrative, one playground encounter at a time. ... Get your free guide https://buff.ly/4fklz9c ... #integratedschools #inclusion #community #redlining #diversity #socialjustice #socialjusticeeducation #wealthgap #local #publicschools #parenting #parent

Day 3: Children’s Rights – A Focus on Education Every child deserves the right to an education. It is not just a fundamental right; it is a powerful catalyst for change. Education empowers children, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the world and seize opportunities. It lifts families out of poverty, breaks the cycle of disadvantage, and creates pathways to economic stability. Investing in education strengthens communities by fostering informed, engaged citizens who can contribute to societal progress. When children have access to quality education, we see increased health outcomes, reduced crime rates, and enhanced civic participation. Yet, countless barriers still exist that prevent children from accessing this vital resource. From economic challenges to geographic isolation, systemic inequalities must be addressed to ensure every child can thrive. Let us unite in our efforts to dismantle these barriers. By collaborating with educators, policymakers, and community leaders, we can create a more equitable educational system that serves all children. Together, we can champion the cause of education for all and empower the next generation to achieve their dreams. Join me in this mission! #ChildRights #EducationForAll #EmpowerChildren #EquityInEducation #StrongerCommunities

March is #DevelopmentalDisabilitiesAwarenessMonth, and this year's theme is "A World of Opportunities." This month, we're celebrating the contributions of people with developmental disabilities and the ways that people with and without disabilities can work together to build a world where everyone can succeed. At CE International, we work with educators and other education leaders worldwide to grow #InclusiveEducation and ensure all children have access to quality, inclusive, equitable educational environments. Learn about and join the Early Childhood Development Task Force (ECDtf) at https://lnkd.in/gKRsXyns Image description: Text says, "Disabilities are not the problem. Barriers to inclusion and success are. Let's work together to find solutions so that everyone succeeds." Next to the text is a photo of the woman and a young child.

“Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility.” - UNESCO The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed January 24th as the International Day of Education in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. We must advocate for more inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all, to create a world where wellbeing wins. Education and wellbeing are human rights - yet, 250 million children and youth are out of school worldwide. And, educational inequality is even more apparent for students with developmental disabilities. It’s time to transform education to prioritize all students’ wellbeing, happiness, and quality of life. https://lnkd.in/gy45gCyP #InternationalDayOfEducation #EducationForAll

Let's talk about inclusion and acceptance. Inclusive early education practices that celebrate diversity and value each child for who they are contribute to a sense of acceptance and belonging. Inclusive environments promote positive self-identity and happiness. #JESSRAN #educationinclusion #equityineduation #childdevelopment