A pilot study of the impact and implementation of an anti-racism program for preschoolers

• Proof-of-concept established for preschool anti-racism program: GoKAR!. • GoKAR! Program did not significantly reduce children’s racial attitudes. • GoKAR! Program did improve children’s understanding of concepts related to race and racism. • Children with one Black contact in their social networks showed reduced racial bias. • Children and caregivers reported high levels of engagement and satisfaction with GoKAR!. This study aimed to develop and test a novel anti-racism program for White preschool-aged children: the GoKAR! (Kids Against Racism) Program. While there is an extensive literature focused on the presence and development of children’s racial attitudes, few studies have focused on explicit anti-racism programs for 4- and 5-year-olds. To address this gap, 114 child-caregiver dyads from across the United States were randomly assigned to either treatment (GoKAR! Program) or waitlist-control conditions. Caregivers implemented the GoKAR! Program at home over four weeks. This proof-of-concept pilot study evaluated the impact and implementation of the program. Results indicated no significant difference in racial bias among program participants; however, children in the treatment condition exhibited greater understanding of key terms and concepts about racism at posttest, compared to those in the control condition. Family context variables did not significantly predict baseline racial bias, but having a Black person in the family’s social network was found to be a significant predictor of change in racial bias for children participating in the program. Overall, families reported high levels of engagement and satisfaction with the GoKAR! Program. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts and potential modifications to increase the program’s effectiveness in targeting racial attitudes.