Educating Young Children Volume 1 - Summer 2025 | Page 53

Skill Set for the 21st Century,” by Maria Rosario T. de Guzman and colleagues.)

Highlighting the need for increased cultural competence, a Black / African American, White public prekindergarten educator discussed the effects of being“ the only person of color in [ my ] entire staff and building.” She stated,“ It’ s very lonely and frustrating. Someone will come up to me and be like,‘ Oh, I know you know this song,’ and it’ ll be like a rapper.... I wear my hair up in a tight bun every single day because they can’ t keep themselves from grabbing, touching, making comments about my hair.”

Early learning program leaders and staff, regardless of racial / ethnic identities, can lean into opportunities to engage in deep learning about their colleagues’ cultural, linguistic, racial, and / or ethnic identities through open discussion and sharing.

To create and support racial, ethnic, and linguistic diversity, program leaders can

› Embrace effective practices for inclusive hiring by identifying and removing language and requirements(“ native English speaker” and“ cultural fit”) that may exclude educators of color

› Provide clear avenues for educators of color to gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences to progress along an advancement pathway into leadership positions

› Integrate cultural competency training, supports, and resources for all staff

› Acknowledge educators’ various cultural backgrounds, experiences, and traditions