DEC Equity Series: Sessions 2 & 3

We will host various experts in the field of early childhood special education and early intervention in disrupting the pervasive inequities of our systems. Topics will include troubling notions of "at risk," challenging biases about families in home based services, suspension and expulsion in early childhood settings, counteracting racism and ableism in early childhood systems, and engaging in systems change in pursuit of equity. Sessions will be offered live as well as recorded and available on the DEC website for future viewing.

In Pursuit of Equity: Session 2

The History of Inequities and Its Impact on Young Children

Monday, May 24th, 2021, 12:00 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time

Register for the session here.

You may have heard of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), but what about racial, historical, and generational trauma? This workshop will take you through history to better understand racial inequity and its impact on today's families.

Presented by Gloria Neal

From being a tv news anchor and reporter, radio reporter on News radio 850 KOA, a women’s health podcast host, to a radio talk show host, as well as a columnist and now to being a Director of Public Affairs with the Mayor’s office, Gloria Neal’s versatility keeps her very busy all across the country.

With over 30 years of combined experience working with city government, nonprofits and private sector organizations, Gloria brings her passion and problem-solving skills to everything she touches. And it is that drive which enables her to be successful in traditional and non-traditional environments.

Gloria is a strong believer in community involvement and in serving the community. She has been heavily involved in mentoring, philanthropic and community driven causes not only in Denver, but also in other cities across the country.

Currently, Gloria Neal is the Director of Public Affairs for Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

In Pursuit of Equity: Session 3

Bias, Race, and Microaggressions in Early Childhood

Monday, June 7th, 2021, 12:00 - 1:30 PM Eastern Time

Register for the session here.

This training will engage participants in discussions related to key social justice and equity issues impacting how we lead, serve, and interact within ECSE programs. Implicit bias, color-blind, and culture-blind ideology will be discussed as barriers to addressing racial equity in ECSE. Microaggressions will be examined and practical strategies for how to respond to microaggressions will be presented.

Presented by Dr. Rosemarie Allen

Rosemarie Allen has served as a leader in early childhood education for nearly 40 years. Her life's work is centered on ensuring children have access to high-quality early childhood programs that are developmentally and culturally appropriate. She is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her classes are focused on ensuring teachers are aware of how issues of equity, privilege, and power impact teaching practices. Rosemarie has served in directorship roles with the Colorado Department of Human Services where she was responsible for the State’s child care licensing program, the federal child care assistance program, the redesign of the State’s quality rating and improvement system, the implementation of the State’s professional development plan, and assisted in the creation of Colorado’s early learning guidelines. Rosemarie is a respected keynote speaker and has the distinct honor of being appointed as a “Global Leader” to represent the United States at World Conferences across the globe.

Dr. Allen’s non-profit Institute for Racial Equity & Excellence (IREE) serves as the lead agency for ensuring equity in educational practices throughout the nation. IREE monitors and licenses child care centers using a model she created, “Culturally Responsive Community-Based Licensing”. Rosemarie also served on President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” (MBK) initiative, Early Childhood Task Force. In that role, she was the national expert on implicit bias and culturally responsive practices, speaking at conferences across the country. She also serves as a contractor for the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations focusing on equity, implicit bias, and culturally responsive practices in the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social Emotional Competence in Infants and Young Children.

Rosemarie earned her B. A. from California State University, Master’s of Education from Lesley University, and a Doctorate Degree in Leadership for Equity in Education from the University of Colorado, Denver.