Shaddai is a postgraduate researcher at the University of the West of Scotland, exploring inequalities within the early years. His research interests include addressing gender inequality, race and racisms, heteronormative practices, and advocating for true diversity and inclusion. He writes independently on these issues from CriticalEarlyYears.org. Shaddai started off as an EY practitioner and has a diverse background in a range of nurseries. Most recently, he was a Family Support worker for a children’s centre in central Bristol.
Shaddai previously oversaw the Bristol Men in Early Years Network and held the title of Learning Ambassador for Bristol Learning Cities. He has also featured on the BME Power List 2018, showcasing Bristol’s 100 most influential BME people, is part of the Steering Group for the ESRC funded study ‘Gender Diversification in Early Years Education’ and is a Trustee for Early Education.
Workshop Details: Race and Racisms in the Early Years
This interactive workshop will look at the concept of race and consider its implications within the early years. Does race still matter, or are we in a post-race society? Do young children see race, or are they blind to such differences? Is our own race, as educators, an important part of discussing identity with young children, or are these matters inappropriate? This workshop builds on Shaddai’s Msc dissertation exploring the role of ‘Black Educators in (White) Settings’ and invites delegates to come with their own experiences of addressing race in the early years