B.A.S.E BabyWatching: A Way to Bring Peace to the Classroom and Beyond

• In Event: Rethinking the Curriculum Toward Liberatory Peace Education

Abstract

B.A.S.E. stands for BabyWatching Against Aggression and Anxiety for Sensitivity and Empathy. It’s a low-cost, anti-violence and anti-anxiety program first implemented in Europe in the 1990's. The main purpose of this study is to report on 2 pilot programs pioneered in the U.S. for 2 very diverse groups of children: of African- and Caribbean- American descent in Pilot 1 and racially and ethnically diverse children in a Muslim school in Pilot 2. Study findings confirmed all major stakeholders developed a deep appreciation for the program, including: students, teachers, parents, and participating volunteer mothers with infants. This study also amassed ample evidence related to the program's low cost structure and how easily it can be duplicated in a variety of settings.

Authors

• Margareth Lafontant, The City University of New York

• Janice B Alves, The City University of New York - Medgar Evers College Campus