Inclusion and Belonging

Somerville Early Education and the SEE Every Child Curriculum embrace Anti-bias Education (Derman-Sparks, Edwards, and Goins, 2020) as a framework and lens through which all work is planned and implemented. We integrate an Anti-racist approach, knowing that by centering race we acknowledge the impact of systemic racism on all children and families, their intersectional identities, and other -isms that impact whole and healthy development. At SEE Inclusion and belonging are are essential values that shape every part of our early education system. We believe that equity and access must be embedded everywhere—from curriculum and classroom design to teacher development and family partnerships. That means every child, in every classroom, should feel seen, valued, and supported in becoming their fullest self.

Our approach is guided by a simple truth: when all children and families are affirmed, respected, and empowered, our entire community thrives.

A Commitment to Equity

We see everything through a lens of equity. Somerville Public Schools (SPS) defines equity as providing the opportunities, support, environment, and high expectations every student needs to succeed. We work to remove barriers and bridge opportunity gaps—ensuring that all children not only have access, but are empowered to thrive. From daily classroom routines to district-wide planning, equity drives our decisions.

We are committed to helping every child realize their full intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential. This includes:

Creating inclusive, culturally-responsive classrooms

Providing access to opportunities and resources for all learners

Fostering skills that inspire pride, creativity, empathy, and leadership

Our Approach

We embrace the Anti-bias Education framework (Derman-Sparks, Edwards & Goins, 2020) and use equity as a lens to which we see all aspects of early learning. This means:

Designing classroom environments that reflect diverse cultures and abilities
Planning curriculum that affirms identity and encourages fairness
Interacting with children in ways that promote empathy and justice
Partnering with families through respect, curiosity, and collaboration

We recognize that bias, power, and privilege exist in our systems and affect children’s development.

We honor the lived experiences and knowledge that children and families bring. By doing so, we help children build pride in who they are and curiosity about others.

Cultural Affirmation

We affirm the diverse languages, cultures, and experiences of children and families through intentional words and actions. Affirmation means saying, “I care about you,” through what we teach, how we listen, and what we celebrate. We help children recognize fairness, celebrate differences, and stand up for one another. We honor the lived experiences and knowledge that children and families bring. By doing so, we help children build pride in who they are and curiosity about others.

Creating a Culture of “We”

Families are essential partners in early education. We believe strong relationships between educators and families are key to inclusion and belonging. Educators reflect on their own identities and biases, listen with compassion, and work to build authentic, respectful connections with families. Because preschool is often the first community membership experience for children (and sometimes families) outside of their homes, it is important that we provide opportunities and plant foundational seeds for this process of life-long learning and connecting to others. Together, we build a community where everyone contributes to each child’s success.