Coaching for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging in Early Childhood

“Reinkingâ ™s and Thigpenâ ™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, Reinkingâ ™s and Thigpenâ ™s book is an outstanding resource to guide you on your way.” –Elizabeth A. Sherwood, Ed.D.

Dr. Anni Reinking is an educator, author, researcher, mother, wife, aunt, daughter, step-mother, social justice advocate, and a current elected official (School Board member). She has been in the field of education for over 16 years. As a classroom teacher she taught in Mombasa, Kenya, the Southside of Chicago, Northwest Indiana, and Central Illinois. Upon leaving the PK-5 classroom learning environment, she worked in the social service field, as a college professor, and as a professional development provider. Anni owns Reinking Education Consulting, LLC. In this work she focuses on facilitating the growth of organizations and schools to increase equity, diversity, and transform to a place of inclusion.

Laycee Thigpen MS. Ed. is an education consultant, poet, and researcher. She focuses her work on developing racially inclusive environments for early childhood children, families, and educators and combating biases and stereotypes in early childhood classrooms. Laycee has years of experience teaching in childcare and Head Start, directing a summer program, being a supervisor, instructor, and coach for both pre-service and in-service teachers. Laycee continues to challenge and motivate educators to establish environments where all people are valued and uses her poetry for reflection in DEIAB training. She currently lives in Central Florida with her husband and four children.