Jen Neitzel, Ph.D.

Belonging is a key element of human existence. We all want to belong to others, to ourselves, and to something bigger than who we are. We are living in a time of great challenge and change with increasing divisiveness that can be hard to navigate. Nurturing communities of belonging in early childhood and education is a key aspect of social emotional development for children. Before we can do this, we, as educators, must do the hard work of understanding who we are, our values, and how we show up in this world.

This session provides educators with a background about what a community exactly is and how it must be grounded in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Communities of belonging help children no that they matter simply because they exist. Moving through our own assumptions and biases is an essential part of creating communities of belonging. These conversations can be uncomfortable; however, that discomfort is an opportunity for personal growth that then expands the ways in which we show up for children and cultivate communities of belonging.