McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

BY | November 11, 2016

Talan Letter on Anti-Bias Published in EdWeek

With the release of Yale’s recent research study, the early childhood field has focused on implicit bias. On Nov. 1, Education Week published in print and online a letter to the editor on implicit bias written by Teri Talan, Michael W. Louis Chair of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University, and Ayn Keneman, Associate Professor in Early Childhood at National Louis University. Below is the letter in its entirety.

Anti-Bias Training for Early Educators Should Be a Common Thread

To the Editor:

Regarding ‘Yale Study Probes the Complexity of Bias in Preschool,’ we believe it is important to keep in mind that early educators need support in understanding the family and community context of young children’s lives, as this context may relate to childhood behaviors—especially when the teacher and child are of a different race. This is why we at the National Louis University, in Chicago, thread culturally relevant pedagogy through all of our coursework, supporting our teacher-candidates through deep reflection that focuses on both the academic and social-emotional learning of young children. 


In teacher-preparation programs, it’s important to develop new teachers’ cultural competence as a way to acknowledge the home and community cultures of both teacher-candidates and the children they will soon be teaching.


Guiding teacher-candidates to examine their philosophies and belief systems about teaching and learning helps them become self-aware, nonjudgmental, and inclusive of the cultural diversity of their future students. It is possible, for example, for preschool teachers to become aware of their biases and to conquer them as they work to create child-centered environments that respect diversity and communicate high expectations to all young learners.


As part of this process, we need ongoing professional development for all early educators that addresses cultural competence and anti-bias teaching approaches to ensure that the youngest students grow in all areas of their development.


High-quality teachers can make a difference in children’s early years; the impacts of successful teaching during a student’s first five years in the classroom may last a lifetime.”


Ayn Keneman

Associate Professor

Program Coordinator

Early Childhood Program


Teri Talan

Michael W. Louis Endowed Chair

McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership

National Louis University

Chicago, Ill.

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Building Community Partnerships for Lasting Impact

By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha • December 12, 2025
By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha Community collaborations can strengthen your early childhood program, expand services for families, and increase your visibility and credibility as a trusted resource in the community. But effective partnerships don’t begin with a phone call—they start with a plan. Start with internal planning Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: Members of your board of directors or advisory board Program staff members Interested family members and parents of enrolled children. REVISIT your mission and goals A clear, shared understanding of your program’s purpose will guide effective partnerships. Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: What is your mission? What strengths and expertise do we bring to the community? What challenges do our enrolled families face? What support or resources would be most helpful? What can we offer potential partners in return? Clarity about these questions will ensure that your outreach to community members and organizations is focused and meaningful. Learn about local resources Begin exploring the services and organizations that exist in your community. These may become valuable referral partners or direct collaborators. Examples include: Early intervention services Family support agencies Mental health providers Multilingual tax-preparation volunteers Knowing these resources helps you connect families with the help they need. share your space and services Your early childhood center may be a valuable asset for other groups. Consider offering your space to other programs or groups to strengthen your role as a community hub. Possibilities include: Scouting America or Girl Scout meetings Parenting workshops or support groups Health screenings or nutrition programs Community committee meetings participate in community events Raising visibility in your community opens doors to partnership. Become involved in: Neighborhood clean-up days Local fairs or festivals Library literacy events Cultural celebrations School district events These types of interactions naturally build trust and relationships. build and expand your network Partnerships often begin with small conversations or shared goals. Stay curious and connected—the more people you meet, the more opportunities arise. Potential collaborators include: Museums Public libraries Human services departments Colleges and universities Local schools Cooperative Extension services Hospitals and clinics Banks and financial advisors Mental health agencies Early intervention programs Remember: partnerships are mutually beneficial Successful collaborations are built on: Clear communication Shared goals Appreciation for each other’s strengths A commitment to supporting families and the community Whether the support you receive is financial, advisory, or educational, strong partnerships help everyone thrive. A final thought Community partnerships don’t happen overnight. With the proper planning, your early childhood program can become a powerful and connected resource in your neighborhood. Start small, stay open to ideas, and let relationships grow.
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