Implementing an Anti-Bias Curriculum in the Early Childhood Classroom

As one way to highlight the curriculum topics that teachers address in their classrooms, the Center for Young Children makes use of the large bulletin board in the front of the building to share with families documentation of these events. Right now, in conjunction with Black History Month, the Yellow Room teachers, Ms. Donn and Ms. Anstine, have displayed some of the work that they have been doing since the very beginning of the school year to incorporate meaningful activities, read-alouds and family-sharing experiences that uplift everyone in their class. The display is entitled Implementing an Anti-Bias Curriculum in the Early Childhood Classroom.

Developing an "Anti-Bias" curriculum is very important in all schools, and it is not too early to begin these conversations when children are young. At this age, they deeply understand the concept of fairness, and they are keenly observant of similarities and differences when they make new friends. 

This description of an Anti-Bias Curriculum was taken from the Teaching for Change organization, a group local to the DC area.

"Anti-bias curriculum is an approach to early childhood education that sets forth values-based principles and methodology in support of respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness. Anti-bias teaching requires critical thinking and problem solving by both children and adults. The overarching goal is creating a climate of positive self and group identity development, through which every child will achieve her or his fullest potential."  

In addition, Dr. Melanie Killen, a HDQM faculty member has been conducting research in this area for years and was recently featured in the Maryland Today newsletter. Read Melanie Killen's article entitled, Op/ed: Lessons on Battling Bias featured in Maryland Today.

The CYC greatly values the diversity of our families and strives to help their students to think critically about their world.