This guide introduces applied antiracist developmental science and developmental frameworks that have been comprehensively integrated with antiracist principles. It underscores the importance of viewing child and adolescent developmentrelated work through an antiracist lens from the outset, examining how systemic racism, implicit bias, and critical consciousness shape human development, and emphasizes the need to cultivate an antiracist developmental perspective to promote equity in professional settings.
Anchored in the foundational bioecological model, this book extends to additional frameworks such as the Racism + Resilience + Resistance Integrative Study of Childhood Ecosystem (R³ISE), the Integrative Model of Ethnic Minority Development, the Multicontextual Model for Diverse Learning Environments, and the Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory (PVEST). These frameworks are adapted to confront racism and support antiracist practices.
Targeted discussions in dedicated chapters cover fields including psychology, PK12 education, higher education, and allied health. This book bridges theory and practice through case studies, practical examples, and reflective activities, demonstrating how to incorporate antiracist strategies into daily professional practice. It also delves into how community assets can be protective and mitigate the effects of racism, guiding professionals to recognize and leverage these strengths effectively.
This resource is designed for students, preprofessionals, and earlycareer professionals in child and adolescent development committed to incorporating antiracist practices into their work. It serves as both an introductory overview and a practical manual for applying developmental principles with an emphasis on reflection and praxis.
Foreword
Introduction
Welcome
Who Should Read This Book?
How to Navigate This Book
Key Features of
Chapters
Lets Begin
Chapter 1: Foundations: Antiracist Developmental Frameworks and Models
Introduction
Key Definitions and Frameworks
Becoming an Antiracist Professional
Chapter Summaries
Critical Questions
References
Chapter 2: Examining and Resisting Racism Through Psychology
Introduction
Theories to Examine and Resist Racism in Psychology
Critical Issues and Practices
Developing an Antiracist Professional Identity within Psychology
Reflect and Practice Activities
Chapter Summaries
Recommended Resources
References
Chapter 3: Antiracist Developmental Teaching in PK-12 Education
Introduction
Foundations of Teacher Identity
Extending Vygotskys Zone of Proximal Development
The White Zones of Proximal Development
Establishing a Critical Reflective Practice
Applying Antiracist Developmental Frameworks in PK-12 Contexts
Practical Example: A Tale of Two Classrooms
Reflect and Practice Activities
Chapter Summary
Recommended Resources
References
Chapter 4: An Antiracist Developmental View of Higher Education
Introduction
An Ecological Model for Higher Education
From Bronfenbrenner to the MMDLE: Bridging Understanding
Affirming and Sustaining Student Identity in Higher Education
Intersectionality and Critical Consciousness in Student Development
Antiracism and Development
Centering Relationships and Emotional Support
Engaging in Advocacy
Developmentally-Informed Mentorship and Support Systems
Critical Issues and Considerations
Antiracist Professional Identity Development
Reflect and Practice Activities
Chapter Summary
Recommended Resources
References
Chapter 5: Antiracist Approaches for Allied Health Professionals
Introduction
Applying Key Concepts and Theoretical Frameworks to Health
Critical Issues and Practices
Strategies for Addressing Racism
Developing an Antiracist Health Professional Identity
Reflect and Practice Activities
Chapter Summary
Recommended Resources
References
Index
Alicia Herrera is Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Development in the College of Education at California State University, Sacramento, USA. Her research examines ethnicracial identity development within educational contexts, focusing on how educators understand their mediating roles in these Bringing Antiracism into Focus: Using Transformative Lenses to Reframe Professional Practice processes. As a qualitative researcher and teacher educator, she explores positionality, racial literacy, and the development of critical consciousness in professional settings. Her work supports antiracist developmental theory in practice.
Kevin Ferreira van Leer is Assistant Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut. As an action researcher, he examines the sociocultural and policy contexts that promote positive development and liberation for Latine immigrants and their families. He largely utilizes communityengaged research, collaborating directly with immigrant communities to develop research projects around their concerns, build their capacity to conduct research themselves, and share findings for positive change.
Samantha Blackburn is Director of the Community Engagement Center at California State University, Sacramento. She received her PhD in Nursing Science and HealthCare Leadership from the University of California, Davis Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing. Her current research interests are school health program administration, interdisciplinary education, and experiential learning.