Equity at EOCF

Application of an Equity Lens

EOCF’s commitment to cultural responsiveness and equitable outcomes for all children, families, and staff is activated through the utilization of an equity lens to inform all decisions, operations, and practices. Our families’ unique cultural needs require intentionality to ensure equity in our processes.

• Inclusion is embraced in the classroom with an Antibias approach for celebrations, holidays and traditions.
• Consistent and ongoing data collection captures outcomes for children and families. We disaggregate data by race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and geographic areas. We use both quantifiable data and individuals’ stories and experience to inform our actions and provide accountability.
• A cross-functional equity workgroup “Team iLead (Inclusion, Leadership, Equity, Action and Diversity)” meets regularly to review work environment survey data and is responsible for recommending and implementing best DEI practices for staff and the families we serve.

Utilization of Our Parent Policy Council to Drive Equity

• We strive to include community input on the design, development, and interventions to address their needs. We use their feedback in cultural parent surveys, and parental input for cultural validation within our curricular materials.

Recruit, and Retain Staff That Reflect the Families We Serve, and Train on Our Values Reflecting a Diverse and Inclusive Culture

• We recruit, retain, promote and provide supports for people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas that are reflective of the children and families we serve. We grow our internal staff through Parent University (PU), employing staff who reflect the children and families we serve.
• We provide support and professional development opportunities that build the capacity of leaders and staff to lead for equity, diversity, and promote inclusion. Racial equity training is focused on understanding institutional racism, and the equity workgroup Team iLead provides for an integrated strategy.
• The Department of Children, Youth and Families Culturally Responsive Guidelines for Professional Development is provided

Provide Additional Support Systems for Children Whom English Is Their Second Language

• Bilingual staff are strategically placed at sites with children and families who share the same native language. Interpreters are available to ensure families have the opportunity for full involvement in their child’s education and our program.
• Curriculum that is culturally and linguistically responsive with specific strategies and tools for supporting Dual-Language Learners is used, encouraging continued development of the child’s first language while the acquisition of English is facilitated.

Advocate for Change at the Policy-making Level

• We push to change underlying systems, policies and practices that drive disparate outcomes and experiences at the local, state and federal levels.
• We are active members of the National Head Start Association (NHSA) and the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP (WSA).
• We meet with legislators to inform and education them on current challenges in the early learning space at the annual Early Learning Advocacy Day in Olympia, WA; NHSA’s annual Winter Leadership Institute in Washington D.C.; and NHSA’s annual Parent and Family Engagement Conference.
• Our Executive Management team regularly leads or participates in advisory groups and association meetings.