Quality programming in Head Start and other early childhood programs incorporates knowledge of and respect for families’ cultures and implementation of best practices including quality learning environments, intentional teaching, and family engagement strategies. When these program pieces are in place, they best support the development and learning of young children. However, these program pieces are not always in place for all children, especially African American boys, where there is evidence of educational disparities.

Whether you are a program manager, a classroom teacher, family advocate or another specialist, you can take this opportunity to think about how you can best support young African American boys in early learning settings. Many have not benefited from what is known about the connection between culturally responsive programming and child development as it relates to school readiness. Awareness also has been growing about the societal context in which African American males live. Taken together, these facts attest to the persistent challenges African American males face, starting at an early age.

This training will provide Head Start staff and parents an opportunity to be self-reflective by focusing on the following three components: The Culturally Responsive Lens, Understanding Young African American Boys, and Implementing Culturally Responsive, Strength-Based Practices, that can bring many benefits for program staff and for the children and their families. We explore each component looking at the educational opportunity gap, impact of paradigm shift, who are these children, and how and why culturally responsive approach is essential to the growth and education of African American boys.

Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to self-reflect toidentify one’s own barriers to teaching and promoting educational opportunities for African American boys to avoid slipping through the gap
• Understand the physical, mental, and emotional challenges of African American boy’s and how they differ from other cultures
• Understand what and how a paradigm shift can impact your attitude and ability to effectively educate an African American boy
• Implement one or more of the essential strategies to enhance your culturally responsive approach to educating and teaching an African American boy