Early Childhood Education for a New Age: Centering Equity and Social Justice

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

This panel calls for a renewed effort to place social, racial, and educational justice and equity at the heart of early childhood curricular and assessment systems. To address the glaring inequities and injustices in the field exposed by Covid-19, research must play a more participatory and cross-disciplinary role both within the academy and the field. The panel addresses new pathways for equitable access to early childhood programs and approaches that center social inclusion and academic excellence. The panel features participants representing early childhood practitioners, teacher educators, educational non-profits, and equity research action coalitions. In dialogue and collaboration, we will highlight opportunities for new partnerships for improving early childhood systems for all children, families, and educators, especially those in historically marginalized communities.

Sub Unit

• AERA Presidential Session

Chair

• Daniel Meier, San Francisco State University

Papers

• Creating Language Spaces that Prioritize Children’s Cultural and Linguistic Repertoires - Iliana Alanis, The University of Texas - San Antonio

• Imagining an Antiracist Future for Early Childhood - Fabienne Doucet, New York University

• Rethinking Early Childhood Assessment Systems: Elevating the Voices and Images of Educators, Children, and Families - Isauro M. Escamilla Calan, San Francisco State University

• Combating Systemic Racism for Black Children: Role of Preservation, Protection, and Promotion - Iheoma U. Iruka, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Early Childhood Professional Development: Teacher Inquiry and Reflection as a Professional Right - Daniel Meier, San Francisco State University

Discussant

• Daniel Meier, San Francisco State University