Find the Words to Address Racism and Equity with Children's Books and Resources for Adults

We are living in one of the most stressful of times in recent history and those of us who are caregivers have it doubly hard trying to manage our own stress and that of those we care for. This is particularly more difficult if you are caring for children either as a parent or a child care provider.

The past 4 months of watching the effects and impacts of COVID-19 on our neighborhoods, towns and cities has demonstrated health disparities that exist in society. The CDC reports that people of color are almost twice as likely to become hospitalized with symptoms associated with coronavirus. More recently, anti-racism protests and rallies have targeted racial injustices and inequities.

These are very complex issues that can seem difficult or impossible to discuss with children. However, there are many resources available to help, especially considering how early children note racial differences and begin to form values and beliefs. Writing for the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatricians suggest that babies around 6 months begin to notice race-based differences and preschoolers adopt racial bias that may continue to impact the experiences that form the foundation of a child’s values and believes. Parents and caregivers can prevent racial bias from forming early on and promote social literacy around racial acceptance, recognizing injustices and actively pursuing racial equity. Another recent  AAP article written by pediatricians, Talking to Children About Racism: The Time is Now, recommends that parents and caregivers use current civil unrest exposed in the media, social networks and within communities  to initiate a discussion about the history of racism and discrimination in the U.S. and help children explore and become confident that they can make changes. The authors outline a number of strategies that can help children understand what is going on around them right now. First and foremost, is to talk to them. One of the ways to talk to children is to find the right words. They recommend sharing books that include stories about people of color; explanations of struggles others have that they do not; and that highlight the lives and experiences of black and brown children.

PBS Kids and Common Sense Media include examples of books for children and adults that explore diversity, anti-racism, social justice and equity.

PBS Kids has outlined a number of children’s book that address racism and celebrate diversity. Below are just a couple of examples.

• Counting on Community, by Innosanto Nagara is an example of one of the featured story books which shows children relying on each other to make their neighborhood better

• Say Something, by Peter Reynolds, “The world needs your voice. If you have a brilliant idea... say something! If you see an injustice... say something!” This well illustrated book empowers children to speak up especially when they sense injustice. 

Common Sense Media – Includes many children’s books about racism and social justice and categorizes them according to the most appropriate age groups starting with a 2-4 year old group. Each book comes with a book review and suggestions for how to extend the book’s content and message. Below are a few examples.

• Anitracist Baby, by Ibram X. Kendi, Ages 2-3 year olds. Through cartoon-like illustrations this book outlines a number of real steps we can take to “make equity a reality”.  

• Last Stop on Market Street, by Matt de la Pena, Ages 3 and up. A Coretta Scott King children’s book award winner, this picture book tells an enduring story about a grandmother taking her grandson on a city bus. They both learn life-long lessons from the sites and people they meet along the way.

• I Am Enough, by Grace Byers, Ages 4 and up. A picture book poem, this is more of collection showing children of many races, ethnicities and sizes doing many different types of activities atypical of gender stereotypes. Told in rhyme it is intended to inspire self esteem and optimism.

Welcome Rachel

Rachel Myhre is grateful for the opportunity to join the Child Care Health Outreach Program Team at the Snohomish Health District. Recently, she has worked as a WIC (Women, Infant, and Children)/First Steps Nutritionist for the Health District, and has loved the field of pediatric and prenatal nutrition. She has served as the Breastfeeding Coordinator for the WIC clinic, and enjoys supporting women in their breastfeeding goals.

Rachel is thankful for the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and welcomes any opportunity to be outside and enjoy it! Walking/jogging, cooking, reading, and spending time with family/friends are some of her favorite pastimes. She looks forward to supporting child care, early learning and school age providers. Please give her a call or send an email with nutrition or physical activity questions including menu planning, food allergy/intolerance management, active play guidelines and ideas, gardening with kids... just to name a few topics Rachel can address. You can reach her by emailing childcarehealth@snohd.org. 

COVID-19 Class for Child Care Providers in Washington State

           (Available for a limited time only)

Child care programs have a key role in slowing the spread of illnesses such as 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and protecting susceptible children and staff.  Due to closeness of contact between children and staff, preventing the spread of COVID-19 in child care has been challenging. 

This COVID-19 In-Service Training has been specially developed for child care providers currently operating child care programs in Washington State during the COVID-19 outbreak. It outlines guidance for child care established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). It also provides many practical ideas for applying the guidelines established by some local public health agencies in the State. All of the local health department links are readily available in the class so you can easily refer to the specific county guidance for child care programs. 

Cleaning & Sanitizing in Child Cares

Keeping children healthy is a priority for child care providers. To do so requires that providers keep their child care environments clean and reduce disease-causing germs as much as possible. Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are all necessary. Choosing the proper chemicals to get rid of germs can be tricky. This course will provide you with some information on the different types of chemicals, proper and safe chemical use, and alternatives to harsh chemicals.