Behavior and Belonging: Race, Innocence, and Restorative Justice in Early Childhood
May 30 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
This two-part professional learning series explores how assumptions about race, innocence, and ability shape adult responses to children’s behavior and contribute to exclusion and pushout in early childhood settings.
In the first session, participants examine how innocence is unevenly granted, how compliance-based practices and micro-interactions escalate conflict, and how adult bias and adultification influence the interpretation of behavior.
The second session focuses on brain science, stress, and co-regulation, moving participants toward restorative, equity-centered strategies that support belonging and prevent expulsion.
Participants will leave with reflective tools and an action plan to shift from control-based approaches to relational, restorative practices that center all children’s dignity, development, and inclusion.
