DEIB at RisingOaks

At RisingOaks Early Learning, we uphold and maintain a community where families, children, educators and staff feel safe, respected, empowered, and a sense of belonging. With this sense of belonging, everyone can learn, grow, challenge themselves, and bring their perspective.

We respect the many different perspectives and lived experiences within our community. RisingOaks commits to being accountable to our community through reflective practice. Collectively, we strive to continuously challenge the status quo and enhance inclusivity and allyship within our community.

DEIB Principles

RisingOaks’ DEIB Principles are the organizational commitments that provide RisingOaks with a tool to affirm at regular intervals that the organization’s direction is in alignment with its DEIB Statement.

• We commit to annually reviewing our DEIB policies for areas for improvement.
• We commit to active listening with each other, and to finding ways to gather the voices regarding their DEIB experiences within our organization at least every three years.

As part of our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Action Plan, we host a series of Family Nights to engage children and families in our DEIB work. Each RisingOaks Early Learning centre hosts one DEIB Family Night, creating opportunities to connect with families and explore this work together in a meaningful and accessible way.

These are drop-in events. RisingOaks families are welcome to arrive at any time, stay as long as it works for them, and participate in ways that feel comfortable. You are also welcome to attend with your child and head home together when you're ready.

Throughout the evening, you’ll find a variety of interactive stations where you can:

• Learn about anti-bias education and representation in early learning
• Explore cultural traditions and family experiences
• Engage in conversations about equity and belonging
• Learn more about RisingOaks’ DEIB journey

Members of our DEIB Committee, senior leadership, and/or Credence & Co. are present to welcome you, answer questions, and listen. Your child’s educators also look forward to connecting with you through this important work.

There are opportunities to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns. What we hear from families helps shape future facilitated dialogue.

Light refreshments are served.

What's Next?

• Make inclusivity visible – when we see it, we believe it
  • A review of our marketing material from a DEIB lens
  • Create a DEIB in Action space for each location
  • Enhance our onboarding processes, forboth staff and families
• Review communication tools with a DEIB lens
  
  • Redesigning communication tools (e.g., e-news, parent handbook,) to include more diversity
  • Website review
  • Enhancing social media, Days of Observances recognition (acknowledging major observances celebrated within our community, ensuring unbiased content)
  • Sharing personal stories that relate to DEIB on social media (ECE spotlight, IWD, etc.)
• An educator-focused communication strategy, led by educators and the DEIB committee
  
  • Development of communication guidelines and frameworks
  • Improve understanding and awareness of DEIB practices and policies
  • Social media strategy focused on DEIB activities, initiatives and successes
  • Create a video series and/or FAQs related to the new or revised organizational health policies (e.g., conflict resolution, workplace harassment & discrimination, etc).

 Click the image below to see prior updates.

Roles & Responsibilities: DEIB Committee Members

• Champion belonging and psychological safety at their locations.
• Offer input on DEIB initiatives and policies.
• Promote and support the DEIB Action Plan.
• Help develop and lead DEIB programs, events, and trainings.
• Gather feedback and ensure open communication across all levels.
• Actively participate in meetings and events, sharing committee experiences and initiatives.

Parent Representatives:

• Provide a family-centered lens on DEIB efforts.
• Foster engagement with the broader RisingOaks parent community.

Steering Committee:

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for DEIB initiatives.
• Align DEIB efforts with organizational goals and resources.
• Lead meetings and engage the committee in ongoing planning.
• Recognize and support committee members, including compensation for non-staff.
• Measure DEIB impact and ensure accountability, including input into future strategic planning.

Senior Leadership (CEO, Director of Operations)

• Provide strategic oversight and align DEIB with organizational goals.
• Support and approve key DEIB initiatives.
• Allocate resources for effective Action Plan execution.

Executive assistant & marketing communications coordinator: 

• Provide administrative support, meeting coordination, and documentation
• Assist in the communication and promotion of DEIB initiatives

Credence & Co. consultant: 

• Provide expert guidance and recommendations based on best practices in DEIB
• Assist in the ongoing assessment and refinement of DEIB strategies

DEIB Committee Members