Reviews
Serene Stevens, My Sweet Pea and Me, LLC - February 24, 2023
"Amazingly wonderful and comprehensible
a 'one-stop-shopping' source for individuals and teams in ECE to build equitable communities for students, families, and educators. This is undoubtedly a resource to add to the library of any individual or organization who is looking to impact systemic change."
Evandra Catherine, Ph.D., Deputy Director, Children’s Equity Project, T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University - February 5, 2023
"The timeliness of this text is impeccable. In the past five years there have been significant attempts by states to ban CRT and to control the access, experiences, and outcomes of BIPOC peoples. Within this context, Reinking and Thigpen have masterfully crafted this text that can guide coaches and others as they engage BIPOC children and families in early learning environments. This text provides practitioners with opportunities to reflect and challenge dominant ways of thinking through concrete suggestions and case studies, despite where they may be on their social justice journey. There is no better time than now that the early childhood field embraces this text as we move to reconceptualize early childhood education."
Tameka Ardrey, Ph.D., Program Chair, Birth–Kindergarten Teacher Education, School of Human Ecology, Georgia Southern University - February 3, 2023
"This text is not only timely but has the ability to be transformative if intentionally applied. Reinking and Thigpen provide detailed, practical strategies for early education leaders to advance all aspects of equity in early childhood environments. The need for change is long overdue and this text contributes to the work that pushes those changes forward."
Elizabeth Sherwood, Ed.D., Professor Emeritus, School of Education, Health, and Human Behavior, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville - February 2, 2023
"Reinking’s and Thigpen’s work is built on a foundation of sound scholarship and rich personal experiences. They acknowledge the challenges of working toward support for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging in early childhood settings and provide meaningful strategies for individuals and programs regardless of where they are in this important journey. The book is filled with tools for reflection, planning, and assessment that leaders will find useful in taking on this meaningful work. Many stories from their extensive interactions with a variety of educators make these tools come to life. In addition, they provide concrete and realistic suggestions for working through the tensions and divisions that can occur when diverse groups of people confront difficult issues. Whether you are just beginning conversations about the complexity of equity or are farther along the path, Reinking’s and Thigpen’s book is an outstanding resource to guide you on your way."