Equity in Everyday Interactions

Early learning environments are often the first communities that young children experience outside of their families. These learning communities provide important contexts in which children learn and grow. Each day, early learning professionals share profound moments of connection, reciprocity, inclusion, and opportunities to grow in their ordinary, everyday interactions with young children. These small, significant moments help to build trust, respect, and a sense of belonging, all of which form the relational foundation of an equitable learning environment.

Equity Practices

Everyday Interactions Matter invites early learning professionals to consider the following practices in their reflections on equity and everyday interactions:

  • Creating a learning environment that welcomes, embraces, and empowers each unique child.

  • Communicating to children in a variety of ways that they have agency, choices, and can grow into the person they want to become.

  • Understanding that equitable access to supportive adult-child interactions is essential to the positive development of each child in a learning community.

  • Finding moments to connect and attune to each child according to their needs.

  • Reflecting on one’s own interactions; learning about one’s own racism, prejudice, and biases; and recognizing how those factors influence interactions with children.

  • Connecting with other educators to discuss equitable interactions, share personal experiences, and learn from one another for growth and positive change.

Anti-Racism and Equity Tools

In addition to these practices, consider viewing the following resources to access anti-racism and equity tools: