Racial Empathy
The research on racial empathy is part of the RACE lab’s primary data collection efforts to assess and measure young children’s 1) acceptance of racial differences 2) empathic awareness 3) empathic feelings and expression and 4) empathic perspective taking through an immersive virtual environment experience.
Awareness and Acceptance of Self and Others
In partnership with early care and education centers in the Austin, Dallas, and Houston communities, the RACE lab is engaging in primary data collection to assess the relationship between an educators’ racial equity mindset, the racial socialization practices parents engage in at home, and children’s social and emotional development. The goal is to assess how these practices influence a child’s awareness of their own ethnic-racial identities and their attitudes about people of diverse racial backgrounds.
Secondary Data Analysis Project
The Secondary Data Analysis Project, utilizes quantitative methodology to analyze large scale (state and national) datasets. Specifically, our lab is currently analyzing data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study and the National Survey of Early Care and Education, to identify risk and protective factors that hinder or promote young Black children’s academic, social, and emotional development. Additionally, using local state data from the Texas Workforce Commission and the Texas Education Agency, our goal is to provide local solutions to national issues.
Equity in Early Childhood Policies
The Equity in Early Care and Education Policies initiative supports state agencies efforts to advance racial equity in efforts to combat disparities in early childhood outcomes. Our goal is to work alongside state agencies to support them in building their internal capacities for long-term solutions. Additionally, the RACE lab analyzes legislative bills in an efforts to assess their potential to remedy or cause further racial inequalities in early childhood.
Data Accessibility
The Data Accessibility initiative is our commitment to supporting community-based organizations’ use of research to inform evidence-based practices. We support and conduct research studies and data analysis that will help organizations promote better outcomes for children.
