Ages & Stages: A Caregiver’s Guide to Supporting Children’s Racial Learning

Every child is learning about race, starting in their earliest months of life. What they learn, when, and how they make sense of it, depends on the messages they get from caregivers, communities, and the world around them.

The Ages & Stages Guide brings together the latest research on children’s racial development from infancy through early adolescence, when caregivers have the most impact. It outlines:

• What kids notice at different ages
• How racial learning unfolds over time
• Practical steps caregivers can take to support healthy, affirming conversations and action

Like other kinds of growth, racial learning varies from child to child. Their racial identity, family history, community makeup, and life experiences all shape how they come to understand race. What’s consistent is that all kids benefit when adults take an intentional role in helping them make sense of it.

The early ages at which children are noticing and thinking about race may surprise you, and some of the recommendations for practice might make you feel a little uncomfortable at first. That’s OK! Research has shown that engaging children in conversations about race can be beneficial even when caregivers are nervous or anxious. So do your best, and you’ll get more comfortable over time.

Finally, research on children’s racial learning is ongoing, and we may revise this guide as our knowledge evolves over time. Because when we know better, we can do better.