Centering Equity in Child Development: What can we learn from leaders in the field?

Session Type: Professional Development Session

Abstract

This salon session will explore the work of preeminent scholars of color, Drs. Asa G. Hilliard III, James Comer, Cynthia García Coll, Megan Bang, and Ruby Takanishi to broaden the understanding of their seminal contributions to early care and education (ECE) and child development more broadly. As we face the challenges of this unique time in history, child development professionals have much to learn from their scholarship focused on building racially, ethnically, culturally, and linguistically responsive and inclusive ECE systems, programs, and practice to promote equity. Their legacies help us to better understand the underpinnings of systemic racism, xenophobia, and poverty inthe early childhood classroom and beyond and to imagine more equitable ways of supporting young children to meet their developmental potential.

Researchers who have followed the careers of these eminent scholars of color will engage in a moderated discussion. Speakers will reflect on key findings or concepts from each of these scholars and delve into their current relevance for advancing equity in child development, child assessment, early educator preparation, instructional practice, and early educator well-being.

The conversation will focus on three primary topics:
• How their work changed how we think about child development, family engagement, and community building for young children
• Recommendations for future efforts to increase equity and justice for young children
• Recommendations for future efforts to increase equity in ECE policy and practice specifically

Sub Unit

• Special Events

Session Organizer

• Vivian Tseng, Foundation for Child Develoment

Participants

• Hirokazu Yoshikawa, New York University

• Charlyn Harper Browne, Center for the Study of Social Policy

• José M. Causadias, Arizona State University

• Camille J. Cooper, Yale Child Study Center

• Ananda Marin, University of California, Los Angeles