“WE KNOW BEST”
Why This Toolkit Matters
Preschool assessments shape opportunities and labels—but many were designed without Black children in mind. They often overlook cultural strengths like storytelling, creativity, and expressive language.
Built to shift from deficit thinking to affirmation, the WE KNOW BEST Toolkit:
Affirms that families are experts on their children.
Provides clear language to decode assessments.
Equips parents to challenge bias and advocate for fairness.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Too often, assessment tools reflect narrow definitions of readiness that miss cultural
strengths. This toolkit reframes assessments through an affirming, family-centered lens.
WHO IT’S FOR:
Parents and caregivers of preschool-age children (especially ages 3–4)
Educators and program staff who want to partner with families
Advocates and community leaders advancing equity in early learning
HOW TO USE IT:
Start with the Introduction to understand the purpose and goals.
Explore the Assessment Guide for clear explanations and strategies.
Use the Parent–Teacher Journal to track strengths, conversations, and next steps.
YOUR TOOLKIT COMPONENTS
INTRODUCTION TO THE “WE KNOW BEST” TOOLKIT
The starting point for families and educators. This section explains why the toolkit was created, who it is designed for, and how to make the most of each component. It grounds readers in the purpose: to affirm children’s brilliance, challenge bias, and build stronger partnerships between families and schools.
PRESCHOOL ASSESSMENT GUIDE
A plain-language breakdown of the most common types of preschool assessments—including formative, summative, screening, diagnostic, and social-emotional learning (SEL). This guide highlights the strengths and limitations of each, provides “What parents can do” strategies, and offers sample questions families can use to advocate for their children during meetings with educators.
Parent–Teacher Communication Journal
A practical, family-friendly tool to document your child’s growth and your interactions with teachers. Includes monthly logs, a Bias Concern Tracker to record and address issues, “Strength Spotlights” to capture moments of brilliance, and a word bank to help families confidently frame their child’s story. Designed to support ongoing, strengths-based communication between home and school.
FAMILIES. EDUCATORS. ADVOCATES.
Together, we co-design fair and affirming assessment practices. The toolkit is a bridge to stronger home–school partnerships and systems change.
KEEP THE MOMENTUM
The WE KNOW BEST Toolkit is just the beginning. Stay connected with NBCDI to share feedback, join learning spaces, and help affirm Black children’s brilliance.