Embracing all members of our community

As the national conversation around Diversity Equity and Inclusion shifts, it is more important than ever to empower educators to create an environment where differences are celebrated and all children are valued and respected for who they are. I am proud to say that our staff is doing the work!

Last month, a group of 14 teachers and administrators attended the first of a 5 part training series called Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Childhood Education (P.R.I.D.E.). This training equips educators with an understanding of how the history of race affects young children.  The training content provides tools and strategies for facilitating developmentally appropriate conversations that foster a deep understanding of racial issues.

Our Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee, made up of PIC staff and administrators, meet regularly to discuss challenges within our diverse community and explore ways to address them. Our teachers incorporate anti-bias curriculum in the classroom and honor the cultural differences within PIC through celebrations of learning. Recently, we were delighted to have some preschool parents share the rich traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year with our children.

PIC staff are educating themselves, engaging in deep self-reflection, having brave conversations, but most importantly, they are listening to one another. They understand that diversity and inclusion aren’t just about well crafted statements but intentional actions that serve to disrupt harmful institutions that uphold inequity and injustice of marginilazed people.
Building upon our ongoing efforts to embrace and celebrate our community's rich cultural tapestry, we are excited to announce these upcoming events:

• February 6th: We invite families to join me and Butterflies teacher Dieynaba Diaw for PIC’s monthly Coffee and Conversation series, where we will discuss approaches to talking to young children about race.
• February 27th: PIC will host the inaugural meeting of a monthly affinity group for Black families, providing a space for parents and caregivers to come together and celebrate Black culture within our community. If you're interesting in joining or learning more, contact Anjerrica "Jerri" Torrence at atorrence@parentinfantcenter.org. Take a look at this flyer for more information. We also encourage families interested in hosting additional affinity groups to reach out and share their ideas.

PIC’s core values, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of what strengthens our community.  Despite the national discourse we will remain steadfast in our commitment to amplify these values and embrace all members of our community regardless of race, immigration status, gender or gender identity.

As always, I leave you with a song that holds special meaning for me. In honor of Black History Month, I invite you to listen to Nina Simone’s Young Gifted and Black, which celebrates and affirms Black youth and encourages them to embrace their potential.