
Equity means an effort or strategy to ensure all who need services have access to and an understanding of opportunities. It may include treating everyone with equal respect and care, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, class, culture, gender, sexual orientation, ability/disability, language, national origin, indigenous heritage, religion, or other identities.
What’s the Difference? Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Diversity recognizes the varied experiences and backgrounds of those who are similar.
Inclusion is inviting individuals from varying backgrounds to participate in the work. Inclusion requires action in which all participants can connect, engage, collaborate, and contribute to space and consider individual uniqueness.
Equity recognizes that not everyone comes from the same starting place. Regardless of someone’s identity or financial background, assistance may be needed in different and unique ways.
Belonging keeps participants engaged and active in the group. Belonging creates the space for individuals to feel valued and respected as they bring their diverse experiences and suggestions.
Early childhood education programs that are aware of and practice diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging can create a welcoming and valuable experience for staff, children, and families.
Adapted from The Pennsylvania Key
Resources
Resources for Families
- Pennsylvania Community Inclusion for All
- We are different, we are the same: Teaching young children about diversity (Better Kid Care)
- Protective Factors That Help Your Child Overcome High ACEs (Creating a Family)
- Strong Families (Pennsylvania Strengthening Families)
- Parenting Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Abuse or Neglect (Child Welfare Information Gateway)
- Talking to Children About Differences and Similarities (Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center)
- Children’s Books that Include Diverse Family Structures (Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center)
- Diverse Book Finder
- Exploring Similarities video (Sesame Street)
- Celebrating Differences: Antiracist Parenting Right From the Start (ZERO TO THREE)
- Beyond the Golden Rule (Teaching Tolerance)
- 60 Books about Disabilities and Differences for Kids (Mrs. D’s Corner)
- Teaching Young Children about Bias and Social Justice (Little Sprouts Learning)
- Infographic: What is Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Pennsylvania Schools? (Pennsylvania Department of Education)
- Using Stories to Nurture Identity (ZERO TO THREE)
- Equity and Inclusion (Pennsylvania Department of Education)
Resources for Early Childhood Educators
- Equity and Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Pennsylvania (The Pennsylvania Key)
- Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement (NAEYC)
- Equity and Inclusion Toolkit (Pennsylvania Department of Education)
- Embracing Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Instructional Materials (New America)
- Using Children’s Books to Support Identity, Equity, and Inclusion (SCRIPT-NC)
- Racial Equity Resources for Early Childhood (Children’s Institute)
- A Pathway to Equity: Resources for Early Childhood Educators (International Literacy Association)
- Diversifying the Workforce: Increasing the Number of Asian Americans in Early Childhood Education (NAEYC)
- Including Disability in Early Childhood Curricula: Evaluating and Using Children’s Books (NAEYC)
- Preparing Equitable and Inclusive Early Childhood Educators: Three Evidence-Based Strategies (NAEYC)
- Mapping Layers of Racism and Racial Advantage at School (Equity Literacy Institute)
- Conversation Guide: Personal Values and the LGBTQIA+ Community (Living Room Conversations)
- NCTSN Resources (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- Brave Conversations Facilitator Tips & Tools (Living Strong Consulting, LLC)
- Equity Literacy: More Than Celebrating Diversity (DIVERSITYinEd.com, Spring 2016 Issue)
- Individuality and Inclusive Practices for Early Childhood (NAEYC)
- Equity Resources: Living the Statement (NAEYC)
- The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health (American Academy of Pediatrics)