Sticky issues come in so many forms, that we had to devote two columns to the topic. So, the question is: how can we turn the sticky issues into positive learning experiences?

Explore a curated collection of engaging summer books that inspire curiosity, courage, creativity, and teamwork. These enjoyable stories encourage a love of reading while building confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills in young readers.

Over the years, I have realized that we often fall into clichés—repetitively emphasizing that discrimination is wrong and constantly repeating phrases like 'We shouldn't be racist'—while overlooking a fundamental point: the roots of discrimination in its various forms lie with our first teachers—our immediate families.

The Center for Social Change is returned as a destination at the CaAEYC Conference. All three discussions were well attended in April in Pasadena. Tables that featured Nature activities, the Mentoring program, EPCC, PEACE, and Peace Camp provided helpful information to attendees.

While attending the NAEYC Diversity Working Group, Dr. Megan Pamela Ruth Madison offered to introduce me to a colleague who is doing anti racism work in the Bellingham public schools. Kirsten and I had a wonderful Zoom conversation.

An inclusive DEI policy for early childhood holiday celebrations focuses on “learning about diverse traditions,” rather than “celebrating them.”

Equality and equity are two extremely important aspects for us as early childhood educators. To work on these two things in my program, I realized over the years that I wasn't being equitable with my group of students.

These four books carry important messages for children who need to be seen, heard and feel like someone understands. These books have also been banned in many preschools and school districts. Please enjoy this list of wonderful books.

I was recently asked to present a workshop for parents of a small local preschool. The families particularly wanted information about what to do when siblings are having a dispute. Here are a few points we talked about.

You Can’t Celebrate That! by Nadia Jaboneta shares one teacher’s story of personal reflection, openness with children, and partnering with families to explore racial identity, religious celebrations, and racism.

Peace education for young children is about nurturing values, attitudes, behaviors, and skills that help children live harmoniously with themselves, others, and the world around them. Here are the fundamental components of peace education for young children.

As educators. we live in four worlds simultaneously. We are a part of a community where we live and work - that community, the people in it, the challenges, and the culture. How do we best live in these four worlds, doing the best we can for all involved?

Collaboration and Peace Education go together naturally. They both use  the skills of listening, communication, sharing exploration, experiences  and tools together. They include a respectful mindset and shared goals.

For early childhood teachers, the meaning of Peace Education is too broad. The great challenge is how to translate these words to the level of these young children who learn through their senses and emotions. 

“When you tell your story, you free yourself and give other people permission to acknowledge their own story.” This book not only helps us get to know people in our field that we may not know about, but it also reminds us that we all have a story to tell.

As we interact with others in our worlds, we sometimes realize that we are not always in a peaceful setting. A “peaceful feeling” is not a constant state of mind, but one that we strive to experience now and again.

It takes a village. And when your village burns down, the community comes together to process, mourn, create, and rebuild, together. Peace Camp was an opportunity to create some semblance of peace and joy and hope.

In Spring of 2025 in Fresno, California an exciting Peaceful Pirate Spring Camp was experienced by fifteen children and four teachers. It was held at a children’s park called Storyland.

I am fortunate to have belonged to one of the last generations able to grow and develop through free play. Being able to go outside and play until the streetlights came on was the best scenery during the weekends and our vacations.

Peace Education emphasizes meeting needs collaboratively, but older wisdom holds that true peace begins within. Individuals must cultivate inner peace before they can fully and successfully walk the paths of peace with others.