Dear KCP Families, 

Kirkland Co-op Preschool stands in solidarity with the Black Community. The murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, has ignited in all of us new levels of sadness, frustration, anger, and disappointment in the systemic racism, oppression and violence that people of color, specifically black people, experience in our country every day.

​As you know, KCP is connected to LWTech, and also closely follows the leadership of the Lake Washington School District. Both organizations have issued statements that align with the goals, values and principles of KCP. You can read those statements here: LWSD and LWTech 

KCP Teachers and Board Members pledge to continue our work to bring an end to systemic racism and violence against Black people in this country by teaching our preschool children acceptance and how to stand up to oppression. Please reach out to teachers should you have questions, thoughts, or concerns that need to be addressed.

Should you need support in discussing this topic with your preschooler, many resources are available. Visit KCP's website at 
http://www.kirklandcoop.com/news/talking-to-children-about-racism for a selection of resources to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family.

Sincerely, 

​KCP Teachers and Board Members

Several resources are listed here to support you as you talk with your preschooler(s) about racism. This resource list is meant to be an informational jumping off point for you to help you discover the best way to discuss this topic with your family. 

They Are Not Too Young to Talk About Race
Resource List: http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/social-justice-resources/
Info Graphic on Child Development on Racial Recognition: 
http://www.childrenscommunityschool.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/theyre-not-too-young-1.jpg

​What Systematic Racism Is and What We Can Do to Solve It
Video: https://youtu.be/YrHIQIO_bdQ

NPR: Talking Race With Young Children
Podcast Episode, 20 minute listen: 
https://www.npr.org/2019/04/24/716700866/talking-race-with-young-children?fbclid=IwAR262i36JkNreR2lYg0pPPHDPL9u6iyHSVkMV2vrR3Ehdl-1oG-0ZlXKMrY

Black Lives Matter At School: Announcing the 2020 Curriculum Resource Guide
https://blacklivesmatteratschool.com/teaching-materials/?fbclid=IwAR0dkiNwfwyg5oD1zbnRfxHIX1Bai11IPNNcIzLHYj4twOrHrYYgipFk0uI

A Kindergarten Teacher Explains Racism to Young Kids: "You Have the Voice" 
https://www.popsugar.com/family/kindergarten-teacher-explains-what-is-racism-video-47529956?fbclid=IwAR2x6LfPyRy1vmhu36cOjy7tJXkkEVmKTpI6p6r70NqatY_-N3EOU2FE1Dk