Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Northside's Commitment to the Practice of Anti-Bias and Anti-Racism
As part of the early childhood landscape in Williamsburg for nearly 25 years, Williamsburg Northside Preschool continues to be a space in which children and families are welcome to come as they are. We recognize the intersectionality of all social identities, which include one's race, ethnicity, gender, family structure, religion, socio-economic status and special abilities, to be woven into the fabric of our community, and ours is a school that is rooted in inclusive education and will forever respect, value and celebrate the differences between individuals. At Northside, we hope to actively build understanding, empathy, and equity across all thresholds.
As part of our commitment to anti-bias and anti-racist practices, we believe it is our responsibility to model and teach respect, kindness, and activism beginning in the early childhood years. Research shows that as early as 2 years old children notice and identify physical differences, including race and gender, and therefor it is our work to center the similarities and differences between us, and address the biases that may arise. This is done through the lens of our core values of resilience, compassion, responsibility, individuality and collaboration. Guided by these principles, and as partners with our families, we are dedicated to building a more equitable, inclusive, anti-bias and anti-racist future for our children, community, and greater society.
In addition our own Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist curriculum centered on our core values, our PreK and Kindergarten students draw inspiration from the Anti-Bias Building Blocks. The five areas of anti-bias work identified in Building Blocks are:
- Creating a safe and comfortable classroom environment.
- Understanding strengths, skills, and identity.
- Understanding and appreciating differences.
- Understanding bias and discrimination.
- Confronting/challenging bias and bullying.
