HighScope’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Statement

Advancing racial equity has been at the center of our mission since HighScope’s founder David P. Weikart began the landmark Perry Preschool Study in 1962. Conducted in partnership with Ypsilanti principal Charles E. Beatty, Sr., the first Black principal in the state of Michigan, the Perry Preschool Study first established the lasting human and financial value of early childhood education by demonstrating the positive long-term effects of high-quality preschool on young children.

Much has changed since 1962, however, the need to provide equitable learning opportunities for Black and Brown children is as urgent today as it was then. Black and Brown children are still more likely to live in poverty, in resource-deprived communities, and have less access to high-quality early learning opportunities than White children. Building on HighScope’s history, we have made racial equity, diversity, and inclusion central to our ongoing work in the field of early childhood education. In all aspects of our work, we celebrate, respect, and incorporate the diversity of all members of the HighScope community. We especially seek to eradicate racism and other inequities that oppress the potential of children, family, and adults from marginalized and underrepresented groups.

Read HighScope’s full statement and how we are working to advance racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in our curriculum, professional learning, and research.