Journey to Nia is a program to support the development of healthy racial, cultural and playful identities of Black children in their earliest years. Nia means “purpose” in Swahili, a West African language, and in this program, Black caregivers and early childhood educators will learn how to identify ways to care for and educate Black children so they can thrive.

We are inviting individuals from the worldwide African Diaspora and Global Community whose role is parent, etc., to join us on this journey.

The Journey to Nia will include four learning sessions for Early Childcare Professionals and caregivers to build the capacity to fully support Black children to thrive at home and in school. Participants will learn self-care and community care within the context of racism and racial trauma.

Topics:

• Historical contexts of racism and anti-Black racism, and the impact on young children, families, parenting, and educational experiences

• Overview of adult and young children’s racial and cultural identity development

• Creating culturally and racially responsive environments at home/school for learning and whole-child development

• Strategies to advocate for Black children in educational settings

  For content questions, please contact Paquita Jarman-Smith, SERC, jarmansmith@ctserc.org.

  For registration questions, please contact Emma Velasquez, SERC, velasquez@ctserc.org.

This is a free series sponsored by SERC.