Young children begin to develop a sense of self and understanding of others early in life, followed by understanding relationships with others and effects on the world. They also show internalized societal messages about social identity by age three, and make choices in their play and relationships based on these (mis)understandings. With intentionality, adults can support our youngest learners to have a healthy sense of self, appreciate others, understand fairness, develop empathy, and care for the environment. The Social Justice Learning Outcomes (SJLO’s) for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers are aligned with the standards from Learning for Justice, and with the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework. We will discuss how we see these outcomes and supportive practices in action now, and how to use the SJLO’s to move forward. It starts early. Let’s start now!

Claire Vallotton, PhD, is Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University,  the lead author of Working Well with Babies: Comprehensive Competencies for Educators of Infants and Toddlers, the founding coordinator of the Collaborative for Understanding the Pedagogy of Infant/toddler Development (CUPID), and Co-Lead of the Great First Eight Curriculum Team.

She will be joining us for a special in-person Speaker Series Event as part of SJSU's Research Week (with a Zoom attendance option). Register here.