Who Am I? Why Identity and Belonging Matter in Early Childhood

Children begin learning about race, identity and belonging long before adults may realize it, even when the adults around them avoid those conversations. In this episode, host Dianne Haulcy talks with Dr. Iheoma Iruka, professor and founding director of the Equity Research Action Coalition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, about how children develop their understanding of who they are, where they belong and how they recognize fairness and injustice. Dr. Iruka shares her own experiences growing up as a Nigerian American and explains why a strong sense of identity and belonging is an important part of children’s social, emotional and cognitive development. She explores how bias can show up in early childhood classrooms, from books and curriculum to assessments and expectations of children, and why educators need to recognize and build on the cultural strengths children bring with them. Together, they discuss racial socialization, the limitations of a colorblind approach and practical ways parents and educators can create environments where children see themselves and others as valued, capable and worthy of belonging. ### Guest Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph.D., is an award-winning tenured professor in the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health and the founding director of the Equity Research Action Coalition at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Dr. Iruka leads projects and initiatives focused on ensuring that minoritized children and families, especially Black children and those from low-income households, thrive by attending to their sociocultural assets and racialized contexts. Dr. Iruka has authored more than 100 books and papers and has given more than 300 talks addressing systemic inequities and advancing research and action on the well-being of children and families. She has served on numerous national and local boards and committees, including the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the American Psychological Association, the National Science Foundation and the Lancet Commission on Racism and Child Health. ### Discussion Guide ### Episode Resources Dr. Iheoma Iruka’s Research and Equity Initiatives – Learn more about Dr. Iruka's research and initiatives focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for Black children and families. Her work includes examining implicit bias in early childhood education, supporting culturally responsive teaching practices, strengthening school-family partnerships, and advancing equity for Black infants and toddlers. Ages & Stages: A Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Children’s Racial Learning from Embrace Race – A free guide that helps parents and caregivers understand how children learn about race from infancy through early adolescence. It explains what children notice at different ages and offers practical activities and conversation strategies to help them develop a healthy sense of racial identity, belonging, and respect for others. Available in English and Spanish. Understanding Anti-Bias Education: Bringing the Four Core Goals to Every Facet of Your Curriculum from National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – A resource for early childhood educators on creating classrooms where all children feel seen, respected, and valued. It explores four goals of anti-bias education — identity, diversity, justice, and activism — and offers guidance on incorporating children's cultures, languages, families and experiences into everyday learning. Talking to Children About Racial Bias from American Academy of Pediatrics – A practical resource for parents and caregivers on discussing race and racism with children in age-appropriate ways. It explains how children begin to notice racial differences and develop biases early in life, and offers strategies for recognizing adults' own biases, answering children's questions and helping children challenge stereotypes and discrimination.