Head Start Marks Black History Month

posted 1/23/23 -- In February, Black History month is celebrated to recognize achievements and contributions throughout history. Children are never too young to learn about the beauty of humanity.

Within Head Start we can support this learning through implementation of an anti-bias curriculum. Anti-bias education in early childhood is shaped by a deep-seated belief in the importance of justice, the dream of each child being able to achieve all he or she is capable of, and the knowledge that together human beings can make a difference.

Anti-bias curriculum topics often come from the children, families and teachers, as well as from historical or current events. Anti-bias education happens in both planned curriculum and natural teachable moments based on children’s conversations and play.

As part of an anti-bias curriculum, teachers design experiences with diversity (race, culture, language, gender, family structure, social class, religion, age and abilities) in mind, especially the diversity represented by the students in their classrooms.

While preschoolers can certainly notice physical differences in people (such as skin color), the concept of a month dedicated to Black History is still a bit out of reach. While you may not see that, you will see the following in our Head Start classrooms:

• Activities created that allow children to celebrate their identity.
• Addressing and preventing prejudices through role-plays.
• Diverse materials such as photos, books and toys that represent different cultures, races, ages, abilities and more.
• Fostering children’s self-esteem to strengthen their identities as capable and empowered human beings.
• Encouraging critical thinking and problem solving skills to develop a fuller understanding of themselves and their place in the bigger world.

Share with your child’s teachers if you have something related to a specific culture that you would love for teachers to discuss in the classroom or children to experience.