As with most complex systems, the principal players in early childhood are often institutions with power and privilege, and policies and programs are almost never designed with authentic participation from impacted community members. Because children and families of color experience disproportionately poorer health outcomes, including adverse childhood experiences, we must ensure their voices are embedded throughout the systems that support them.
As part of Kaiser Permanente’s Advancing Racial Equity Initiative, focused on trauma and adverse childhood experiences, Early Milestones is engaging with three Colorado-based organizations (Institute for Racial Equity and Excellence, Una Mano Una Esperanza, and Roots Family Center) to ensure that knowledge about the families they serve is valued and considered across early childhood systems.
