This book brings together multiple voices from a range of thought leaders in early childhood education to describe both how structural inequities deeply embedded in US society have a negative impact on children’s development and learning and how educators who have a strong understanding of how children's development and learning takes place within a cultural context are equipped to create effective and affirming environments, instructional activities, and assessments. Research indicates that children benefit from highly qualified, reflective teachers who provide developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, and linguistically responsive experiences and interactions. The book includes recommendations for ways the broader early childhood system, institutions of higher education, and policy can support early childhood educators in meeting their professional and ethical responsibilities to our most vulnerable populations. Also includes concrete examples and approaches classroom teachers can implement to address equity as they plan lessons, select materials, and support children and families. The book expands on key points of NAEYC’s Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education position statement (2019) so that educators, policymakers, and other key stakeholders are knowledgeable, skilled, and equipped to transform the lives of children and their families.

Contributions by: Barbara Bowman, Jennifer Keys Adair, Jen Neitzel, Daniel Meier, Dina Castro, Louise Derman Sparks, Junlei Li