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.
The book Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, by Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards, offers practical guidance to early childhood educators (including parents) for confronting and eliminating barriers of prejudice, misinformation, and bias about specific aspects of personal and social identity; most importantly, it includes tips for adults and children to respect each other, themselves, and all people. Below, you will find recommended books for young children, teachers, and parents for each chapter and additional resources on anti-bias themes and topics.
Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values is a 50-minute documentary about families who intentionally parent with an anti-bias lens, exploring their hopes, fears, strengths, challenges, and the pivotal question: What kind of world do we want to create with our children? The film depicts these families in their everyday experiences at home, in their communities, and in schools. Each family has their own vision for social justice based on their unique identities, histories, experiences and context. They help their children develop positive social identities, express comfort and joy with human differences, and form deep, caring connections.
In the current political context, under the guise of “parental rights”, there is pushback across this country against diversity and equity, which prohibits discussing identity and bias issues in schools. This film provides a counter-narrative, showing families who advocate for their children and all children in the quest to build fair and just communities.
Teaching for Change has an initiative to help build and nurture a network of social justice educators in the D.C. metro area. Teachers in the D.C. Metro area are welcome to apply to join the Anti-Bias Early Childhood Working Group.
Anti-Bias Education
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.
The book Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves, by Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards, offers practical guidance to early childhood educators (including parents) for confronting and eliminating barriers of prejudice, misinformation, and bias about specific aspects of personal and social identity; most importantly, it includes tips for adults and children to respect each other, themselves, and all people. Below, you will find recommended books for young children, teachers, and parents for each chapter and additional resources on anti-bias themes and topics.
Readers may also be interested in Freedom Reads: Anti-Bias Book Talk, our video series for parents, caregivers, and educators, available at SocialJusticeBooks.org.
Books
Recommended booklists that accompany the best-selling NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) publication Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves.
Film
Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values is a 50-minute documentary about families who intentionally parent with an anti-bias lens, exploring their hopes, fears, strengths, challenges, and the pivotal question: What kind of world do we want to create with our children? The film depicts these families in their everyday experiences at home, in their communities, and in schools. Each family has their own vision for social justice based on their unique identities, histories, experiences and context. They help their children develop positive social identities, express comfort and joy with human differences, and form deep, caring connections.
In the current political context, under the guise of “parental rights”, there is pushback across this country against diversity and equity, which prohibits discussing identity and bias issues in schools. This film provides a counter-narrative, showing families who advocate for their children and all children in the quest to build fair and just communities.
In addition, you can stream the 2020 film Reflecting on Anti-Bias Education in the Early Years for free. The 1990 companion film to the book Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and Ourselves is also available to watch for free on YouTube.
Article Collections
Available in English and Spanish
D.C. Area Educators for Social Justice
Teaching for Change has an initiative to help build and nurture a network of social justice educators in the D.C. metro area. Teachers in the D.C. Metro area are welcome to apply to join the Anti-Bias Early Childhood Working Group.