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The Florida Division of Early Learning offers services for families including the school readiness program, and the childcare resource and referral network.

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WELCOME TO FLORIDA’S EARLY LEARNING FAMILY PORTAL You will find information here about Florida’s early learning programs. You can also apply for School Readiness (child care assistance) and Voluntary Prekindergarten Education services online by click…

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Florida WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

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Florida WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

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Florida WIC offers services to expectant mothers, and children up to five years of age. These include nutrition materials, and free foods for eligible families.

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WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care and community services.
EBT WIC Client logon
WIC EBT Card

Florida WIC clients use a WIC EBT card to purchase WIC approved foods at authorized WIC grocery stores. If you have a WIC EBT Card and have questions or problems using your card, call WIC EBT Customer Service at 1-866-629-1095.

Check your balance before shopping. You can do this by calling WIC EBT Customer Service at 1-866-629-1095 or by going to the WIC EBT website. If there is a WIC EBT Point of Sale (POS) machine at the store, you can also slide your card and enter your PIN to get your balance.

How do I apply for WIC?

* Note: Use the WIC Prescreening Tool to see if you might be eligible for WIC. Prescreening Tool is available in multiple languages.

To apply for WIC, contact a local WIC office. Find the local phone number in the list or call 1-800-342-3556 and ask for the phone number of your local WIC office.

The local WIC office will give you an appointment to see if you are eligible for WIC. At this visit, your household income and the medical/nutrition status of each applicant will be reviewed.

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How Can I Prevent Gender Bias in Young Children? By: ADL

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How Can I Prevent Gender Bias in Young Children? By: ADL

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This resource will help us understand how to prevent gender biases with our children, and the steps we must take to ensure that those biases don't develop.

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The foundation for gender identity formation gets established during the preschool years (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010, 91). By age three, although most children can identify themselves as boys or girls, they are still sorting out the concept of gender (Roberts and Hill, 2003). "The support they get or do not get in their preschool years lays the foundation for the rest of their gender identity formation," according to Louise Derman-Sparks and Julie Olsen Edwards (2010, 91).

Adults can take a variety of measures to create fair and gender-equitable environments for young children. They can:

Reflect on their own attitudes and behaviors.

Send only nonsexist, non-stereotyped messages (Miller, 2001).

Provide equal opportunity for girls and boys to speak (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2010, 98).

Avoid responding more quickly to children of one gender than another (Miller, 2002).

Discuss gender issues by involving children in helping to solve gender-related problems that may arise (Miller, 2002).

Use gender-neutral language (Choose plural pronouns, such as "they" and "them," instead of masculine pronouns such as "he" and "him" and words such as firefighter, flight attendant, garbage collector, and humankind can easily be used to replace the use of "man" as a generic noun or ending.)

Change traditional children's music, rhymes, and finger plays so that they include characters of both genders. For example, alternate male and female names: In Mary had a Little Lamb, use "Jimmy" instead of "Mary." Interchange parental roles: In Five Little Monkeys, interchange "Mama" and "Papa." Make verses gender neutral: In The Wheels on the Bus, use "parents" instead of "mommies;" in Where Is Thumbkin? use "Friend" instead of "Sir;" in Old MacDonald Had a Farm, use "The MacDonalds" instead of "Old MacDonald" and "they" instead of "he."

(Bias-Free Foundations: Early Childhood Guidebook & Activities for Educators, 2001, 8)

Ensure the environment reflects diversity in gender roles and encourages opportunities for everyone by including:

Alternatives to the pretend kitchen such as a workbench, home office, store, office, hospital, etc.

Gender neutral career puzzles that include images of men and women in non-stereotypical roles such as: girls and women depicted as physical and strong, in leadership roles and having occupations in fields such as sports, science, mechanics, etc. and boys and men showing emotions other than anger, participating in domestic tasks, providing care for families, and having occupations in fields such as dance, nursing, cooking, etc.

Diverse family styles and composition

Children's books that reflect diverse gender roles

(Bias-Free Foundations: Early Childhood Guidebook & Activities for Educators, 2001, 7, 11)

Help children gain comfort with a broader range of activities, regardless of their gender.

Observe the ways children's choices seem influenced by gender lines varying groupings during free play/choice time.

Establish non-sexist routines and experiences by ensuring that all children have equal responsibility in assigned jobs (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2010, 97).

Help children develop skills for thinking critically and taking action.

Have them explore their ideas about gender identity and think about what is or is not "fair with respect to gender.

Teach them ways to address hurtful gender put-down.

Honor children when they stand up for themselves or others in the face of gender bias. (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, 2010, 99)

Although gender role norms have broadened over time, attentiveness to the equity and diversity in gender identity can help create a solid and positive foundation for children's future identity development.

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How Can I Prevent Gender Bias in Young Children?

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The foundation for gender identity formation gets established during the preschool years (Derman-Sparks and Edwards, 2010, 91). By age three, although most children can identify themselves as boys or girls, they are still sorting out the concept of gender (Roberts and Hill, 2003).

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Children and Gender Identity: Supporting Your Child By: The Mayo Clinic

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Children and Gender Identity: Supporting Your Child By: The Mayo Clinic

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This resource from the Mayo Clinic helps parents understand and support their child, and their gender identity.

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Children and gender identity: Supporting your child

Understand the importance of talking with your child about gender identity and expression - and how to get the conversation started.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
If your child has questions about gender identity or gender expression, you've probably got questions, too. Find out what you can do to help and support your child.

What are the basics of gender identity?

A person's sex assigned at birth, gender identity - the internal sense of being male, female, neither or both - gender expression and sexual orientation are separate things. They can happen in many combinations. Having a particular sex assigned at birth or gender expression doesn't mean a person has any specific gender identity or sexual orientation.

Is your child transgender?

In many cases children will say how they feel, strongly identifying as a boy or girl - and sometimes - neither or both. While children might go through periods of insisting that they are the opposite gender of their birth sex, if they continue to do so it was likely never a phase.

Most children typically develop the ability to recognize and label stereotypical gender groups, such as girl, woman and feminine, and boy, man and masculine, between ages 18 and 24 months. Most also categorize their own gender by age 3 years. However, because gender stereotypes are reinforced, some children learn to behave in ways that bring them the most reward, despite their authentic gender identity. At ages 5 to 6 years, most children are rigid about gender stereotypes and preferences. These feelings typically become more flexible with age.

Gender identity and expression are related, yet different concepts. A child's gender identity isn't always indicative of one particular gender expression, and a child's gender expression isn't always indicative of the child's gender identity. Diversity in gender expressions and behaviors might include:

Certain bathroom behavior, such as a girl insisting on standing up to urinate

An aversion to wearing the bathing suit of the child's birth sex

A preference for underwear typically worn by the opposite sex

A strong desire to play with toys typically assigned to the opposite sex

Don't rush to label your child. Over time your child will continue to tell you what feels right.

How can you support a gender-nonconforming or transgender child?

If your child is persistent about gender identity feelings, listen. Talk to your child and ask questions without judgment. To support your child:

Don't assume your child's gender expression is a form of rebellion or defiance.

Don't prevent your child from expressing gender in public or at family activities to avoid it making you or someone else uncomfortable.

Don't try to shame or punish the gender expression out of your child.

Don't block your child's access to gender-diverse friends, activities or resources.

Don't blame your child for experiencing discrimination.

Don't belittle or ridicule your child's gender expression or allow others in your family to do so.

Speak positively about your child to your child and to others. Show your admiration for your child's identity and expression of it. By allowing your child to demonstrate preferences and share them, you'll encourage a positive sense of self and keep the lines of communication open.

Also, try to let go of specific fantasies you might have had about your child's future and, instead, focus on what brings your child joy and security. A child living with supportive parents and caregivers is likely to be a happier child.

What kind of health care does your child need?

Your child needs a respectful, knowledgeable doctor. Talk to your child's doctor about your child's gender identity and behaviors and ask for help. Your doctor might recommend working with a specialist. If you're having trouble finding a doctor with appropriate training, seek a recommendation from a support group.

Talking to a therapist also is critical. Ask your child's doctor to help you find a counselor with training in transgender needs to work with your child.

What is gender exploration and social transitioning?

A social transition is a reversible step in which a child lives partially or completely in the preferred gender role by changing hairstyles, clothing, pronouns and, possibly, names. Limited research suggests that social transitioning might help ease a child's depression and anxiety.

It's important for parents and children to determine the extent of the transition, to whom to disclose it, and how to handle challenges such as which bathroom or locker room to use. You'll also need to consider whether transitioning at school or in the community will endanger your child. Seek the advice of a social or advocacy agency to help you make a safety assessment.

How can you advocate for your child?

You might worry that your transgender child will be shunned and experience discrimination or physical harm at school or in your community. To prevent these problems and advocate for your child:

Connect with other families who have a gender-diverse child. This can help reduce any isolation you and your child might be experiencing. Look for an in-person or online support group.

Work with your child's school and teachers. Talk to them about how to stop or prevent bias and bullying before it starts. Ask for gender training to be included in staff development. Come up with a plan for how your child will be addressed in school, which bathroom your child will use, and how to interpret rules about participation in teams, clubs and overnight activities. Choose whether you want to share information about your child's gender identity with other parents.

If your child experiences harassment or discrimination at school and the school system fails to address the problem, take action. Research your legal options and talk to school administrators about them.

Reach out within your community. Work with local institutions to make them safer for gender-diverse and transgender children. Also, consider supporting or volunteering for gender organizations to learn more and help others learn.

Whatever your child's gender identity, do your homework and seek appropriate care. Showing your love and acceptance will also help your child feel comfortable in his or her body and in the world.

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Show references

1. Brill S, et al. The Transgender Child: A Handbook for Families and Professionals. San Francisco, Calif.: Cleis Press, Inc.; 2008.

2. Gender Spectrum. Parenting and family. https://www.genderspectrum.org/explore-topics/parenting-and-family/#more-340. Accessed Dec. 23, 2016.

3. Olson KR, et al. Mental health of transgender children who are supported in their identities. Pediatrics. 2015;137:1.

4. Olson-Kennedy J, et al. Overview of the management of gender nonconformity in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Dec. 23, 2016.

5. The World Professional Association of Transgender Health. Standards of care for the health of transsexual, transgender and gender-nonconforming people, 7th version. http://www.wpath.org. Accessed Dec. 23, 2016.

6. Olson-Kennedy J, et al. Overview of the management of gender nonconformity in children and adolescents. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Feb. 14, 2017.

7. Gonzalez CA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Kasson, Minn. May 10, 2017.

8. Lteif AN (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 10, 2017.

See more In-depth

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Steps for supporting your child's gender identity

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Understand the importance of talking with your child about gender identity and expression - and how to get the conversation started. By Mayo Clinic Staff If your child has questions about gender identity or gender expression, you've probably got questions, too. Find out what you can do to help and support your child.

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In Families Can, the many different types of families are celebrated, and the many different qualities that make them unique.

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How to Help Children Understand Diverse Families By: Bright Horizons

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How to Help Children Understand Diverse Families By: Bright Horizons

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This resource offers tips for families to help their children understand that not all families are the same, and how that is perfectly okay.

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Our world is incredibly diverse and families are no different, with varying configurations, beliefs, cultural norms, and personal practices. One of the most important gifts we can give our children is to help them feel good about the uniqueness of their family and help them learn to accept, respect, and include people whom they may identify and experience as "different."

Answering Questions about Diverse Family Structures

Families come in many different structures and sizes. Young children often have questions when they notice families that seem different from their own. This is a great opportunity to share your values about families, diversity, and inclusion with your child. Here are a few ideas to guide the conversation.

Keep it simple. Young children generally don't need or want long, complex answers. Something like, "Cody lives with his grandmother. His grandmother is his family," or "Malia has two mommies. They are her family," are sufficient. Preschool children are concrete thinkers and not ready for a philosophical discussion.

Celebrate diversity. Children's growing awareness of diverse family structures provides rich opportunities to celebrate family diversity and engage children in conversation about who is in THEIR family, who lives in THEIR house, and more importantly, who takes care of them. Point out the wonderful, interesting diversity of families, which might include families with only children, families with many siblings, blended families, foster families, LGBTQ families, multi-generational families, and many others. This diversity of families makes life richer.

Define what makes a family. Children tend to thrive when they come to understand there are varying family structures and that all families are wonderful, so long as the people in them love and care about each other. This repeated message helps children feel secure, even if their family configuration changes through death, separation, or other life events.

When children ask, "Can a family have two mommies?" one suggested response is: "Yes, some families may have two mommies, one mommy, no mommy, or even lots of mommies. And some families may have two daddies, one daddy, no daddy, or even lots of daddies. Some families also include grandparents, foster parents, aunts, and uncles. Other families have one child, no children, or many children. Any combination works. It's love that makes a family-just like in our family."

Children's Books about Diverse Families

Literature is a wonderful way to expose children to the world. By sharing books such as the ones listed below, you are communicating that diverse families and people are all acceptable. There may be different values and structures, but in the end...it's about family.

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How to Help Children Understand Diverse Families

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Our world is incredibly diverse and families are no different, with varying configurations, beliefs, cultural norms, and personal practices. One of the most important gifts we can give our children is to help them feel good about the uniqueness of their family and help them learn to accept, respect, and include people whom they may identify and experience as "different."

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How to Talk to Kids About Disabilities By: Amy Morin, LSCW

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How to Talk to Kids About Disabilities By: Amy Morin, LSCW

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This resource helps parents talk to their children about disabilities, and the importance of being honest, and pointing out similarities.

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From a peer with dyslexia to a cousin who uses a wheelchair, your child may be curious about people with disabilities. Talking to your child about disabilities can help him gain a better understanding of why some people look, talk, act, or move a little bit differently.

Provide Education in a Matter-of-Fact Manner

Don't try to convince your child that someone with a disability is just like he is. Instead, acknowledge that they are a little different, but make it clear that just because someone is different, that doesn't make that person bad.

Then, show your child how to talk about those differences in a respectful manner. Give your child the language to use to talk about someone who has a learning disability or a physical disability.

Educate your child about disabilities in a matter-of-fact manner. Say things like, "The muscles in your uncle's legs don't work like yours. That's why he has trouble walking," or "She was born with one leg. So she has a prosthetic leg that doctors made for her that she uses to walk."

Here are some important points to make:

Some people are born with disabilities. Make it clear that sometimes, babies are born with disabilities. But at other times, people develop disabilities later in life.

People with disabilities aren't sick. Explain that a child with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy isn't sick. You don't want your child to think he might catch a disability.

There's nothing wrong with people with disabilities. Your child may ask questions like, "What's wrong with that girl?" Explain that a child may have trouble talking or difficulty walking but that doesn't mean there's something "wrong" with her.

A physical disability doesn't mean someone has a cognitive disability. Sometimes, kids assume someone with a physical disability may also struggle to communicate or may not be smart. Make it clear that just because someone's body doesn't work the same doesn't mean their brain is impaired.

Explain How People With Disabilities May Use Adaptive Equipment

Talk to your child about how people with disabilities may use adaptive equipment to assist them. Someone in the grocery store may have a service animal, and other people walk with crutches or use a wheelchair to get around.

You may also explain why there are parking spaces for people with physical disabilities located near the store. Explain how someone may use a special vehicle, designed to fit a wheelchair with a ramp or lift.

Educate your child how to best assist someone who uses adaptive equipment. For example, make it clear that your child should never pet a dog who is wearing a service vest unless the owner invites him to do so, and explain how holding a door for someone who uses a wheelchair may make it easier for them.

Point Out Similarities

Make sure you don't send the message that people with disabilities are completely different from everyone else. Point out things a child with a disability has in common with your child. Say things like, "Lucy is good at math, just like you are. And you both love to listen to the same kind of music."

Understanding how they're the same can help your child relate better to people with disabilities, and it can help increase your child's empathy.

Learn About Disabilities Together

There's a good chance you won't have all the answers about someone's disability. Researching a disability together can help you show your child how to educate himself on unfamiliar conditions.

Look for kid-friendly websites that offer information about autism, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, or other disabilities that he may have questions about. Then, go through the information together.

Read age-appropriate books about disabilities too, and look for TV shows that address specific conditions. Sesame Street, for example, depicts a muppet named Julia who has autism.

Prepare for Tough Questions

Your child may have some tough questions about someone's disability. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know," if you don't have the answer. Or, try saying, "I'll have to think about that and get back to you," if you need some time to gather your thoughts before giving an answer.

Here are a few tough questions you might hear:

Why was he born like that? You could give a science-based answer by saying, "When he was growing in his mother's belly, his foot just didn't grow." Or, you might give a spiritual answer that reflects your beliefs.

Is she going to live to be a grown up? If your child asks a tough question about someone's lifespan, you may want to focus on what's being done to keep people healthy. Say something like, "I don't know. But doctors and scientists are working hard to find a cure."

Will she ever be able to walk? There's a good chance you might not know someone's prognosis. So you might say, "I'm not sure, but I bet she's working hard along with her doctors to do the best she can."

Teach Kindness and Sensitivity to Others

Unfortunately, there's a good chance your child will overhear some unkind words used to describe someone's disability, and there's a chance your child will repeat those names. Address unkind words right away. Explain to your child that such words are hurtful and it's not OK to say them.

If your child continues to use those words after you've explained to him that they're inappropriate, give a negative consequence. Make it clear that putting people down and speaking disrespectfully about others won't be tolerated.

Additionally, don't allow your child to engage in mean-spirited behavior. Make it known that imitating people with a disability isn't kind and tell your child not to laugh at others.

Tell Your Child to Ask Before Helping

Kids often want to be helpers but, they may not know how to do something that is actually helpful. Or, they may put themselves in danger.

Getting behind someone in a wheelchair without asking them if they need assistance could be dangerous if the person using the wheelchair doesn't see your child. Similarly, your child may be tempted to intervene if he sees a child with autism who is feeling very upset. But, the child just may need a little space to calm down and giving him a hug could make it worse.

So teach your child to ask before springing into action. Asking, "Is there anything I can do to help?" gives the other person an opportunity to say whether assistance would be appreciated.

How to Talk About a Loved One Who Has a Disability

If your child grows up with a loved one who has a disability-like a cousin or a grandparent-he may raise new questions over time. As he gains a better understanding of the body, he may have bigger questions.

If it's a close friend or family member who has the disability, ask if the individual is willing to answer your child's questions. You may find your loved one is happy to field questions to give your child a better understanding.

How to Talk About a Peer Who Has a Disability

Your child may have questions about a peer at school that you're not able to answer. You may have no idea why that girl in his class requires help to eat her food or why a boy in class doesn't speak in full sentences. You may want to explain, "I'm not sure why she needs help eating. Maybe the muscles in her arms don't work like yours do."

You may also want to contact your child's teacher. While the teacher can't reveal information to you about another student, it might be helpful for the teacher to know your child has questions, and other children likely have questions too.

Many schools offer disability-awareness programs. Find out if your child's school has any type of curriculum that teaches kids about disabilities. When children understand another child's disability, they're more likely to become an ally.

Encourage your child to include peers with disabilities in activities. Eating lunch at the same table, playing at recess, or simply striking up a conversation are a few ways your child can be inclusive.

If your child wants to invite a child with a disability to a birthday party, you may want to call the other parent to talk about how to make it happen. Say, "My son wants to have an outdoor party and he'd love to have your child attend. How can we make that happen?"

How to Talk to Your Child About Your Disability

If you have a disability, your child may have a lot of questions about whether you're going to get better or why you can't do certain things. It's important to give honest answers in a kid-friendly manner.

It can be confusing for kids if a parent has a disability that isn't visible on the outside. Kids can't see what's wrong when a parent has an issue that involves chronic pain, for example, so it's important to give kids a little information about the science behind what's happening to your body.

It can also be helpful to share about your self-care strategies. Whether you attend physical therapy, get acupuncture, or take medication, make it clear to your child that you are taking steps to take care of yourself.

If you have a new disability-like the loss of a limb from an accident-and your child is struggling to adjust, seek professional help. Talking to a psychotherapist could help your child process her feelings and adjust to the changes.

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From a peer with dyslexia to a cousin who uses a wheelchair, your child may be curious about people with disabilities. Talking to your child about disabilities can help him gain a better understanding of why some people look, talk, act, or move a little bit differently.

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How Growing Up Looking Different Taught Me Compassion | Kayla Cooley Herndon | TEDxYouth@HCCS https://youtu.be/xUQ1Y6h-iW8

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How Growing Up Looking Different Taught Me Compassion | Kayla Cooley Herndon | TEDxYouth@HCCS

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How Growing Up Looking Different Taught Me Compassion | Kayla Cooley Herndon | TEDxYouth@HCCS

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In this TED talk, Kayla Cooley Herndon talks about her differences growing up, and how compassion made her feel better about herself.

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How Growing Up Looking Different Taught Me Compassion | Kayla Cooley Herndon | TEDxYouth@HCCS

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Sklar, R. (2020). Raising Our Children through the Lens of Empathy, Diversity, and Respect. https://ccy.jfcs.org/raising-our-children-through-the-lens-of-empath

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Raising Our Children through the Lens of Empathy, Diversity, and Respect

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Raising Our Children through the Lens of Empathy, Diversity, and Respect

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This resource is about empathy, diversity, and respect, and how we can teach our children to have those things growing up, highlighting the importance of empathy.

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In response to the events following George Floyd's death, my son's first grade Montessori teacher hosted a family Zoom lesson on "Difference, Respect, and Empathy." The lesson focused on accepting, celebrating, and learning about those different from us and emphasized the importance of empathy and respect for all. The teacher explained that she would not bring up the subject of police violence, but if students brought it up she was prepared to address it through the lens of what people are doing to stand up to injustice and build a caring community.

I learned so much from this lesson.

First, the teacher showed three large cards, each with a printed word: "Empathy", "Diversity", or "Respect." She reviewed the meaning of each word and then read the children's book Last Stop on Market Street (an award-winning bestseller). After reading the book, she revisited the words and led a group discussion in which the students shared how they thought the characters showed empathy, diversity, and respect.

In the days following this lesson, I kept asking myself, "How do empathy, diversity, and respect show up, not in books, but in my parenting? Not in resource lists that fill my inbox, but in the classes I teach? Not in my ideals, but in my relationships?

Those questions set me on a path of looking deeper into my own anti-racist journey, and I read My Personal Guide Towards Progress on Juneteenth. In the article, Annie Pak tells us that "eliminating systemic racism will not be easy, but committing to an anti-racist journey is feasible for every person." She helped me clarify that my personal commitment means using my role as a parent of three boys, parent educator, and speaker to teach the next generation empathy, diversity, and respect.

1. Empathy

To teach empathy to our children, it is important to adopt a parenting approach that is not about winning power struggles. Instead, focus on seeing the world through their eyes and modeling collaboration, compassion, and empathy. Children who are raised with this approach and see empathetic behavior in practice have an easier time understanding what it is like to walk in someone else's shoes.

2. Diversity

To help children appreciate our diverse world, expose them to positive and meaningful experiences with people that look different from them and choose diverse media, movies, and books. Parents can facilitate this learning by pointing out kindness to others; injustice; and how to think critically about what they hear, read, and see. When racism shows up in our lives or in the media, ask your child "What does the neighbor, reporter, author, or filmmaker want us to believe?" and "What do you think is true?"

3. Respect

Resolving conflicts is all about showing respect by acknowledging when we played a role in causing the problem-whether a child taking a toy from a friend or an adult acting from a place of unconscious bias, privilege, or racism. Parents that model conflict resolution are teaching kids to respect others and take responsibility for their actions. You can illustrate this behavior by saying things like, "I did something you didn't like. How did it make you feel?" and "I'm sorry. What can I do to make it better?"

Remember that your child is on their own anti-racist journey. Meet them where they are, so you can guide them to be open-minded and independent thinkers. Help them understand their journey by narrating your own process including how you may be responsible for contributing to a system of racism and what you can do to make it better.

Our partners at Common Sense Media have additional resources to help you teach your children empathy, diversity, and respect including the article How White Parents Can Use Media to Raise Anti-Racist Kids and a list of Coretta-Scott King Book Award winners.
Read more articles in our Parenting and Race series The Center for Children and Youth can help you establish healthy family routines, connect with other parents, plan activities at home, and receive critical assistance when you need it most. If you need support or guidance during this time, or are facing other challenges as a parent, we are here for you. Contact us at CenterforChildrenandYouth.org or call 415-359-2443.

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Raising Our Children through the Lens of Empathy, Diversity, and Respect - Center for Children and Youth

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Remember that your child is on their own anti-racist journey. Meet them where they are, so you can guide them to be open-minded and independent thinkers. Help them understand their journey by narrating your own process including how you may be responsible for contributing to a system of racism and what you can do to make it better.

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Precious Children: Teaching Young Children to Resist Bias

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Precious Children: Teaching Young Children to Resist Bias

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Originally printed by NAEYC, this resource highlights what parents and teachers can do to teach young children about bias, and how to resist it.

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Teaching Young Children to Resist Bias

Reprinted with permission from the The early years are the time to begin helping children form strong, positive self-images and grow up to respect and get along with people who are different from themselves. We know from research that children between 2 and 5 start becoming aware of gender, race, ethnicity, and disabilities. They also begin to absorb both the positive attitudes and negative biases attached to these aspects of identity by family members and other significant adults in their lives. If we want children to like themselves and value diversity, we must learn how to help them resist the biases and prejudices that are still far too prevalent in our society.

Bias based on gender, race, disability, or social class creates serious obstacles to all young children's healthy development. In order to develop healthy self-esteem, they must learn how to interact fairly and productively with different types of people. Naturally, children's curiosity will lead them to ask questions: "Why is her skin so dark?" "Why does he speak funny?" We may hide our own negative feelings, or hope that children simply won't notice, but our avoidance actually teaches children that some differences are not acceptable. We must face our own biased attitudes and change them in order to help foster all children's growth.

What parents and teachers can do:

- Recognize that because we live in a society where many biases exist, we must counteract them -- or else we will support them through our silence.

- At home or at school, give children messages that deliberately contrast stereotypes by providing books, dolls, toys, wall decorations, TV programs, and records that show: men and women in nontraditional roles, people of color in leadership positions, people with disabilities doing activities familiar to children, and various types of families and family activities.

- Show no bias in the friends, doctors, teachers, and other service providers that you choose, nor in the stores where you shop.

-Remember what you do is as important as what you say.

- Make it a firm rule that a person's appearance is never an acceptable reason for teasing or rejecting them. Immediately step in if you hear or see your child behave in such a way.

- Talk positively about each child's physical characteristics and cultural heritage. And, help children learn the differences between feelings of superiority and those of self-esteem and pride in their own heritage.

- Provide opportunities for children to interact with other children who are racially/culturally different from themselves and with people who have various disabilities.

- Respectfully listen to and answer children's questions about themselves and others. Don't ignore, change the subject, or in any way make the child think she is bad for asking such a question.

- Teach children how to challenge biases about who they are. Give them tools to confront those who act biased against them.

- Use accurate and fair images in contrast to stereotypes, and encourage children to talk about the differences. Help them to think critically about what they see in books, movies, greeting cards, comics, and on TV.

- Let children know that unjust things can be changed. Encourage children to challenge bias, and involve children in taking action on issues relevant to their lives.

Building a healthy self-identity is a process that continues all our lives. Help children get a head start by teaching them to resist bias, and to value the differences between people as much as the similarities.

Additional Resources:

Neugebauer, B., ed. 1992. Alike and different: Exploring our humanity with young children. Washington, DC: NAEYC. #240/$8.

Document Use/Copyright

Copyright © 1999 National Association for the Education of Young Children. National Association for the Education of Young Children.

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Precious Children: Teaching Young Children to Resist Bias

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Teaching Young Children to Resist Bias from PBS television special Precious Children

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Random House Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (September 19, 2017)

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